What is the timeline for raising trout in a classroom?
The general timeline for TIC in New York is that classrooms set up cold water tanks in September, get brown or brook trout eggs in October or November, andraise the trout over the school year. The fingerlings are then released in the spring, into appropriatestreams and rivers. It is important tonote that some states work on slightly different timelines; it depends on localclimate and the species of trout you raise.
What type of trout do classes raise?
In New York,classes raise brown trout and brook trout. Many factors affect the type of trout a class can raise. Different states have different nativespecies, as well as different regulations as to what is permitted. To find out what is available to you, checkwith your state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife or with your local chapterof TU.
What kind of equipment is needed?
The tank set-up includes a UV sterilizer, filter, pump, aeration device, and a chiller. Then, many other smaller items for tank maintenance are also required. You can read a full list here. Keeping this equipment clean is easy to do atthe end of each year; here are the details.
Where is equipment available?
Most of the equipment is available at aquarium stores andpet stores. While the chiller is not a common item, most aquarium stores carry an appropriate model.
How much does TIC cost to do?
TIC has a large initial cost, but then maintenance is very inexpensive. The chiller is the most expensive item on the list, amounting to more than half the total of the $1000needed for a set-up
What care do trout require?
Preparing for and maintaining a trout tank is a fairly straightforward process. The tank must be up and running about thirty days before the trout eggs can be placed into the tank. Then, once the eggs are in, maintenance is simply a matter of making sure that all the different pieces of equipment are working properly. Dailymonitoring of nitrogen levels and pH indicates when water should be changed.
Do you feed the trout?
Most programs do feed their trout, once the alevin have used up their yolk sacs and risen from the hatching basket. The key to raising trout is feeding them as little as possible, because feeding creates waste, which makes the tankdirtier. It becomes harder to maintain a clean environment for the trout. Afeeding guide is available here.
Where is food available?
New York teachers can get trout food from New York’s TIC coordinator, Rochelle Gandour (rgandour@tu.org). The amount of food needed is very small, andsome hatcheries are willing to give a classroom the portion of food they would need.
Do the trout have to be fed?
Some programs successfully raise trout without feeding them. The key is maintaining a low water temperature, which slows growth. ContactRochelle Gandour (rgandour@tu.org) formore information about this method.
Can I raise trout this school year (2005-2006)?
In general, it is too late to start the TIC program this year. Now is a good time to begin securing funding for the equipment to set up in 2006-2007.
Where is funding availablefor TIC?
Sources of funding abound. First of all, PTAs (and sometimes school boards) are often eager and willing to help establish such an engaging school project. Local businesses, especially outdoor sportsor angling businesses, might sponsor a school or two in their towns. State and local environmental agencies canusually offer support, in one form or another, through their educationdepartments. Finally, foundations,conservancies, environmental organizations, and local watershed associationsare often looking for innovative projects (such as TIC) to fund.
Does Trout Unlimited (TU) fund TIC set-ups?
At this time, Trout Unlimited (TU) does not directly provide funding for tank set-ups.
How are chapters of TU involved?
Local TU volunteers can help a teacher navigate permits and licenses, secure eggs and food, help set up and maintain equipment, provideguest speakers in classes about all sorts of topics, and help on stream studyand release field trips. If the chapteris doing a stream restoration project, the site could be a great field triplocation for students. Some chaptersalso do have funds available to support at least part of a set-up. See comments from John Genovesi, ofthe Croton Watershed Chapter in New York, for more details about chapter involvement inTIC
Who do I contact formore information?
Rochelle Gandour (rgandour@tu.org) is New York’s TIC Coordinator. She is also able toprovide some support to teachers and volunteers from other states. Teachers may want to contact their localchapter of TU directly, to see if that chapter already sponsors otherclasses in the area.