Webinar Set for Jan. 18th on Properly Stocking Fish Ponds

By Adam Russell

A Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service webinar from 6-7 p.m. Jan. 18 will cover the basics of stocking fish in smaller ponds.

The webinar program will cover multiple stocking strategies for ponds smaller than and larger than 1 acre, plus include time for questions following the presentation, said Brittany Chesser, AgriLife Extension aquatic vegetation program specialist in the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Bryan-College Station.

Registration is $35.

Todd Sink, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension aquaculture specialist and director of the AgriLife Extension Aquatic Diagnostics Lab, Bryan-College Station, will cover the correct timing and order of stocking fish. Additionally, he will discuss predator/prey fish imbalances, undesirable species and other topics related to creating a good aquatic environment and balanced food chain to support sport fish populations. Chesser will be available to answer questions in an accompanying chat forum.

“Dr. Sink will cover the general information in the webinar but will also take time to address specific questions that individuals may have,” she said. “The information is designed to help beginners apply management principles that will help them establish and maintain a healthy balance according to their expectations and goals.”

Stocking strategies for fish ponds

Sink will cover four stocking strategies as well as two variations of these strategies for ponds less than 1 acre. Two stocking strategies with several variations will be discussed for ponds larger than 1 acre as well, along with management strategies for trophy catfish. Trophy management for bass or sunfish will be covered in the upcoming fish management strategies webinar.

Pay with credit card to receive immediate instructions regarding access to the webinar. Upon completion of registration and payment, attendees will receive an email from agriliferegister@tamu.edu that will include a receipt, registration confirmation and instructions for accessing the webinar.

“Stocking ponds is a process that takes patience, planning and sticking to a stocking strategy,” Chesser said. “This program can help pond owners avoid mistakes that lead to imbalances that can stress the pond ecosystem or lead to dissolved oxygen fish kills that can add expense and prolong the process.”