6 



Transportation of Live 

 Fishes 



One extremely important aspect of fish culture and fisheries management 

 is the transportation of live fishes from the hatchery to waters in which 

 they are to be planted. The objective of this function is to transport as 

 many fish as possible with minimal loss and in an economical manner. This 

 often involves hauling large numbers of fish in a small amount of water, 

 and, depending upon the time involved, can result in extensive deteriora- 

 tion of water quality. Sometimes fish arrive at the planting site in poor 

 physiological condition due to hauling stresses, and may die at the time of 

 planting or shortly thereafter. 



Transportation Equipment 



Vehicles 



Fish are transported in a variety of ways, ranging from plastic containers 

 shipped via the postal service to complex diesel truck-trailer units. Air- 

 planes and seagoing vessels are used to a limited degree (Figure 107). The 

 extensive stocking of Lake Powell by airplane with rainbow trout and 

 largemouth bass involved a large, coordinated effort involving several 

 hatcheries and numerous personnel. 



348 



