For most New Jersey TIC programs, October 12 is the day that brook trout eggs appear in classrooms to begin their development as young fish. This much-anticipated event is a joint-effort of NJ Fish & Wildlife and Trout Unlimited volunteers from various chapters throughout the state. Early today, TU volunteers will arrive at the state’s Pequest Trout Hatchery in Oxford, where they will be greeted by Carole Skwarek, the NJ Fish & Wildlife liason for Trout in the Classroom.
Shortly after 9am, volunteers will leave the hatchery with fish eggs and food and fan out across the state, driving directly to many of the 26 schools that are participating in the TIC program this year. While state motorists are unlikely to witness excesses like those that herald the first beaujolais nouveau shipment each year, transporting live fish eggs — currently at the "eyed" stage — requires quick delivery and installation into properly-conditioned tanks.
Most of New Jersey’s tanks are already up and running, although a few schools still await delivery of their TIC equipment. Schools getting a late start will receive their fish eggs over the next two weeks.
"Egg Day" is always exciting, as much for TU’s corps of volunteers and teachers as it is for students! Twenty-six lucky classes will have a chance over coming months to observe the development of their eggs and watch as they hatch, absorb their egg sacks, and begin free swimming for the very first time. Exciting indeed!