Effects of Effluents from Trout Hatcheries on the Benthos and Fish in Receiving Streams

This study evaluated the effects of discharges from three southeastern trout hatcheries on the benthic organisms and fish in the receiving streams. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service hatcheries were at Suches, Georgia; Walhalla, South Carolina; and Brevard, North Carolina. Although effects differed somewhat for each hatchery, the numbers and kinds of both benthos and fish generally increased immediately downstream from the hatchery outfalls. Pollution intolerant benthic organisms were not lost from the fauna below the hatchery outfalls. No detrimental changes in the fish communities were apparent.