The Jammu and Kashmir Fisheries Department has reintroduced Brown Trout into Kashmir's cold-water streams, marking the species' first significant revival in nearly 120 years, officials said on Saturday.
Once abundant in the region's angling belts, the species witnessed a sharp decline over the past century due to genetic depression and environmental degradation. Officials said natural reproduction had fallen so drastically that the population was no longer self-sustaining in the wild.
To restore the species, the department imported three lakh eyed ova of Brown Trout (Salmo trutta fario) from Denmark earlier this year under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. The stock was transferred to the Trout Hatchery at Tschanser, where it underwent a nine-month rearing cycle from January 29 to October 31.
Officials said the ova were developed through selective breeding into F1-generation fingerlings. Following scientific assessment, 2.5 lakh fingerlings -- each weighing between 5 and 15 grams, have been cleared for release into suitable cold-water streams.
The stocking will begin with major angling sites, including Dachigam and Gagribal, which historically held strong Brown Trout populations. The streams were evaluated for ecological compatibility before approval.
Officials said the project aims to rebuild trout production, restore sport fishing, enhance eco-tourism, and support sectors dependent on angling, such as hospitality, transport, and guiding services.
The department expects the availability of genetically improved trout to increase anglers' catch and strengthen the Union Territory's position as a sport-fishing destination.
Experts said the introduction of diverse and healthy seed stock is likely to stabilise declining wild populations and assist in re-establishing natural breeding in streams where the species had almost disappeared.
While describing the project as a major step in fisheries conservation, officials said it also carries long-term socio-economic benefits for communities reliant on tourism and recreational fishing.
CPO Gagribal Nahida Akhtar told Rising Kashmir that reviving Brown Trout after 120 years marks a significant breakthrough for the fisheries sector in the region.
"This strengthened stock will help rebuild natural trout resources, boost angling tourism and create new economic opportunities across Jammu & Kashmir," she said.
Nahida added that the stocking of Brown Trout seed in all feasible cold-water streams across the UT is a major achievement. "This will definitely increase anglers' catch and support sustainable tourism development," she said.
CPO further said that three lakh eyed ova of Brown Trout were procured from Denmark and reared at the Kulgam hatchery, ensuring high-quality fingerlings for release into natural streams.
"This will substantially enhance Brown Trout production in natural cold-water resources," she added.
Brown Trout are originally native to western Asia and Europe, with their natural range stretching from northern Norway down to North Africa. The species was first transported to North America in the early 1800s and later introduced widely across the United States.
Today, Brown Trout inhabit central and eastern Nevada streams and are found in roughly 112 waters across the state, including several lakes and reservoirs in northern Nevada.
The first recorded shipment of Brown Trout eggs to the U.S. occurred in 1883, when they were supplied to multiple hatcheries. Between 1884 and 1890, the species was released into a variety of suitable water bodies across the country. These early introductions established successful, self-sustaining populations that continue to support fisheries nationwide.
Brown Trout typically spawn from late fall to early winter. They construct redds -- shallow nests on gravel-bottomed riverbeds and streambeds, where they lay and fertilize their eggs. This reproductive behavior has helped the species adapt to a range of cold-water habitats across different regions.