TPS Proud -- Northern Pike Release: The Final 65 Miles!

A successful aquaculture project can be measured in healthy fish, but in our case, it can also be measured
in broad smiles and a hands-on introduction to the marsh . . . for all those involved

Back on February 28th, several dozen mature northern pike -- both females and males -- were collected on an unseasonably mild, early spring afternoon from Budd Lake in northern New Jersey. Housed in holding troughs, they made what must have seemed to be a lengthy (and bumpy) ~6.5-mile commute to a state hatchery and rearing facility in nearby Hackettstown.

These early spawners would serve as the broodstock for tens of thousands of fry that began hatching on March 8th at the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife's Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery. While our planning started well before, this is where a unique collaboration was born -- quite literally. Within this multitude of growing fish was a very small subset of young fingerlings that would soon be making a much more lengthy over-the-road journey -- another 521 miles to Toledo Public School's Natural Science Technology Center.

Some might consider these guys the stars of the show . . .
they were obviously important, but the true stars
are pictured below

Earlier posts document how this diverse partnership grew and evolved, but yesterday, as we successfully released 150 healthy, happy 5-6" northern pike fingerlings into the marsh at Standing Rush, I couldn't help but think of those first 6.5 miles. Because between 2/28/18 and 5/29/18, our little northerns traveled no fewer than 592.5 miles by road -- with the final 65 miles being via escorted caravan to their new home along Sandusky Bay.

Some might think that's a lot of fuss for a few bags of fish. But for those involved, I think yesterday brought consensus that there was a "greater good" at play. The students not only handled the media and agency representatives with grace, they got to get their hands dirty -- again, quite literally -- in the marsh. To me, that's what this is all about.
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Some of my favorite "moments" from yesterday, in pictures:

Three dozen northerns (and one student) -- all eagerly awaiting an introduction to a new home

Release #1 (first of four locations where fingerlings were released over ~185 acres of Standing Rush's West Marsh)

Always cool how every release brings anticipation and excitement

Special thanks to (left to right): Laura Kubiak (TPS Wildlife & Sustainability Instructor) and ODNR, Divisional of Wildlife representatives Travis Hartman, (Lake Erie Program Administrator) & Kevin Kayle (Fish Hatchery Program Administrator); not only was ODNR administratively supportive, they also took the time to be with us in person to support the kids’ effort

Ms. Laura Kubiak (back, left in sunglasses) with six of her proud students
just prior to the final release

NOTE: These students were so invested in this project, that they came to Standing Rush on one of their first full days of summer vacation. Quite a group.

P.S. Thanks to WTOL (11)/WUPW (36) for their coverage of our efforts yesterday on their evening news. Keep an eye out for additional coverage via other local media outlets. We appreciate good news being made newsworthy!