A Random Revisit of the Statewide Stream Survey Project
The CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Fisheries Division conducted a statewide survey of Connecticut’s rivers and streams between 1988 and 1994 (Hagstrom et al. 1996). The intent of this comprehensive project was to collect data on fish populations, physical habitat, macroinvertebrates, water chemistry, fishing effort, and socioeconomic value. The findings of the statewide stream survey project enabled the Fisheries Division to prepare a trout management plan, which could be sustained by Connecticut’s stream resources and also meet the needs of Connecticut’s anglers (Hyatt et al. 1999).
To determine the status of Connecticut’s wild Brook Trout populations and to compare to historical statewide stream survey data, the Fisheries Division implemented a two-year resample of former statewide stream survey sample locations, begging in 2018 and concluding in 2019. The resampling was conducted by randomly selecting a set of former statewide stream survey sites that had wild Brook Trout present. The outcome of this finite, short-duration, probability-based sampling project enables the Fisheries Division to make statistically valid statements about wild Brook Trout on a statewide level.
On Monday June 22nd at 7:00pm join the CT Council of Trout Unlimited and TU staff via Zoom, as we talk with Mike Beauchene and Brian Eltz of the CT DEEP on the new report they just completed - “A Random Revisit of the Statewide Stream Survey Project” - which found a nearly 30% drop in Brook Trout in a one-year survey, versus results from a comprehensive study 30 years ago. While the study is only a snap-shot in time from 2018-2019, the results are concerning. Join this important call to learn what was found, what the DEEP and TU are doing to protect our state's native trout, and how you can help.
To attend this meeting, you will need to register at the link below
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_A1IUwgSyR5if--Uc2GwxmA
CT DEEP Fish Community Data
CT DEEP and UCONN have collaborated on a project to make the state’s freshwater fish data available to the public. For some additional information and data on fish counts and macroinvertebrate samples, please with the following websites.