Mountain Streams
p. 47 · Read in the full issue
Trout For New Guinea
THE attempt by Sir Edward Hallstrom to introduce trout to the mountain streams of Central New Guinea, and a recent sugges tion by Mr. C. Sefton that some attempt should be made to acclimatise trout in the streams at Sogeri (Central Papua) has stirred up some controversy in the Port Moresby newspaper, South Pacific Post. ■ One writer, Mr. K. R. Slater, in sists that such movements of fauna should not be attempted unless ex perts have made a close study of any possible effect on the balance of nature —and he cites some un wise transfers of plants and beasts to show what happens when such movements are too hurriedly made, Mr. A. Himson, who has been trout-fishing in Australia, deals with the matter in a more practical way.
He has been informed by the ex perts that trout will not breed in any water above 64 degrees Fahr.
He says that the water temperature at Bulolo is in the middle 60 degrees and that any temperature over 80 degrees is lethal for trout.
He says that the constant introduc tion of fingerlings to the New Guinea mountain streams may create a more or less constant population of trout; but he appears convinced that the permanent stocking of these tropical streams with trout, by natural propagation, is ultimately impossible.