Releasing Homegrown Trout in the Harz: Anglers Team Up to Restock River
Fishing enthusiasts dispatch home-produced trout species into a waterway - Anglers Revive Native River Trout Breeding Operations
Wernigerode’s trout enthusiasts have made a splash this season by releasing over 4,000 baby brook trout from their self-made hatchery into the windy currents of the Holtemme River. These munchkin-sized minnows, measuring a few centimeters long and weighing in around 1.5 grams, have spent the past few months acclimating in a fresh breeding facility, according to Tommy Löwenberg, the chairman of the Anglers and Nature Lovers Association of Wernigerode. A dedicated team of volunteers from the Wernigerode Wildfish Association tended to these delicate aquatic infants daily.
This undertaking marks a groundbreaking milestone for both teams, as they hadn’t ventured into fish-breeding territory before. Back in 2024, they snagged the parent trout from the Holtemme with a gentle electrofishing technique in late summer. Once captured, the men took the males' milt and coated the females' eggs, resulting in a cohort of robust babies.
In February, these newly minted brook trout swam into the world. Care was taken to ensure their survival chances were high, explains Löwenberg, as their growth size plays a significant role in their ability to thrive in the wild. The team's commitment and the state's 18,000 euros in funding brought the new breeding facility to life, complete with incubators, feeding troughs, pipes, and connections.
This isn't a one-time stunt; the teams plan to make this a regular activity. In September or October, they aim to start a new breeding cycle. With the new facility now in operation, their goal is to establish a sustainable brook trout population within the Holtemme River.
Joining forces with the Water and Sewage Association Holtemme-Bode and Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, the two local organizations work together to foster a healthy, thriving ecosystem for these prized fish. Comprising around 50 kilometers in length, the Holtemme River, which flows as a tributary of the Bode in the Harz and Börde districts, is a flagship for the area’s natural splendor.
WernigerodePartners: Water and Sewage Association Holtemme-Bode, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental ResearchGerman Press AgencyBaby trout
Insights:
- Increased collaboration between organizations like the Anglers and Nature Lovers Association of Wernigerode, Wildfish Association, Water and Sewage Association Holtemme-Bode, and Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research can significantly contribute to the conservation of Harz brook trout within the Holtemme River.
- By pooling their resources and expertise, the groups can enhance their knowledge about fish habitats, address water quality concerns, and implement sustainable trout breeding and release programs.
- Together, they have the potential to protect trout populations, engage the community in educational programs, conduct research, and influence policy decisions for the betterment of the ecosystem.
EC countries could benefit from vocational training programs focused on home-and-garden techniques, such as fish breeding, as demonstrated by the success of the Anglers and Nature Lovers Association of Wernigerode in Germany. By utilizing vocational training for homegrown trout breeding, various lifestyle factors can be improved, such as promoting healthier eating habits and enhancing garden-related hobbies.
