The process of using
aircraft usually a (
airplane or
helicopter) to stock
fish in a lake or some other body of water.
Originally started by anglers that wanted to start
sport fisheries Eventually states (through the respective state's department of fish and game) wanted to control the fish populations and with that came more high technology
fish stocking methods especialy for more remote and
high altitude lakes
Enter aerial fish stocking : While most of the stocking is done with fixed wing aircraft, helicopters are also used to a lesser extent. Aircraft commonly used for aerial fish stocking are the 2 engine Otter or the four-engine civilian
C-130 Hercules.
Enter aerial fish stocking: the conflict :Because the minimum airspeed for these aircraft is 180 knots
fish often miss the lake. The result is ten to thirty pounds of young fish scattered in trees and on the ground. organisations like the
Sierra Club and the
Wilderness Society are concerned about the impact of aerial fish-stocking activities on the experience of
wilderness visitor. This is why the more expensive and disruptive helicopter alternative is viable.