Berkshire Environmental Action Team

Stop Stocking: The Harmful Practice of Fish Stocking in Massachusetts and What You Can Do to Help
2026-03-03 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Online/Zoom
In 2023, Massachusetts made national history when Governor Maura Healey signed Executive Order 618, committing the Commonwealth to halt biodiversity loss by restoring critical habitats and protecting native species. But one longstanding state practice directly undermines these ambitious goals: the routine stocking of non-native fish into Massachusetts waterways.
Join BEAT for an in-depth webinar examining how MassWildlife’s fish stocking program conflicts with the state’s biodiversity mandate and what science tells us about its ecological impacts.
DATE: Tuesday, March 3
TIME: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
LOCATION: Online via Zoom — Registration required; click here to register.
Each year, nearly half a million hatchery-raised, non-native trout are released into rivers, lakes, and streams across Massachusetts, often into habitats that still support native eastern brook trout. Research shows that stocking non-native fish disrupts freshwater ecosystems, accelerates the declines of native species, contributes to pollution, and wastes significant public resources — as most stocked fish die shortly after release.
This webinar will explore:

What fish stocking is
How non-native stocking impacts native fish and other organisms, water quality, and ecosystem health
Why stocking conflicts with Executive Order 618 and the Department of Fish and Game’s own conservation goals
Proven, science-based alternatives like habitat restoration and reconnecting waterways
How YOU can make a difference in changing MassWildlife’s practices and pushing Massachusetts to support biodiversity and resilient freshwater ecosystems

Participants will learn how to take action locally to effect state-wide change. We look forward to seeing you there!
Register Here
