Governor Patrick Celebrates Annual Fish Stocking at Jamaica Pond

Press Release

Governor Deval Patrick today joined Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. and local school children to usher in the spring fishing season by releasing more than 1,150 state hatchery-raised trout and salmon into Jamaica Pond in Jamaica Plain.

The event is part of an annual effort to stock the 500 Massachusetts waterways with fish produced at hatcheries operated by MassWildlife, a division of the Department of Fish and Game (DFG).

"This event is a great way to educate our young people about fishing, wildlife and the importance of protecting our natural resources," said Governor Patrick. "When we teach children about their connection to nature, we foster a greater appreciation and respect for the natural world."

Students and teachers from West Roxbury YMCA, Friends of the Children-Boston and Boy Scouts from Troop 1837 Athol/Orange Elks assisted officials in stocking the pond with 900 rainbow trout, 100 brook trout, 100 brown trout and about ten 8-pound brood stock salmon. Also added were 50 tiger trout -- a cross between a female brown trout and a male brook trout -- which measure an average of 14 inches long.

"Our annual trout stocking at Jamaica Pond is a spring tradition," said Secretary Sullivan. "With the warmer weather, there has never been a better time to get outside, whether it's to cast a reel, ride a bike or hike a trail and enjoy the natural beauty of Massachusetts."

This spring, MassWildlife's stocking program, supported by revenue from state fishing licenses, plans to release 529,000 trout -- raised at state hatcheries in Sandwich, Belchertown, Sunderland and Montague -- in rivers, ponds and streams across the Commonwealth.

Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Edward Lambert Jr., Boston City Councilor Matt O'Malley and Boston Energy and Chief of Environmental Services James Hunt also took part in the stocking.

"Mayor Menino and the City of Boston thank Governor Patrick and Secretary Sullivan for the continued partnership to expand environmental education and outdoor recreation opportunities for Boston's neighborhoods and communities," said Chief Hunt.

A natural pond believed to be tens of thousands of years old, Jamaica Pond is 60 feet deep and home to fish such as largemouth bass, yellow perch and chain pickerel, as well as snapping turtles, crayfish, eels and freshwater clams. The pond is a property of the City of Boston and is surrounded by parklands managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

MassWildlife publishes weekly reports at the same website each Friday detailing where fish were stocked in various ponds, lakes, and rivers around the Commonwealth. Trout stocking began in mid-March.

DFG is responsible for promoting the conservation and enjoyment of the Commonwealth's natural resources. DFG carries out this mission through land protection and wildlife habitat management, management of inland and marine fish and wildlife species, and ecological restoration of fresh water, salt water and terrestrial habitats. DFG promotes enjoyment of the Massachusetts environment through outdoor skills workshops, fishing festivals and other educational programs, and by enhancing access to the Commonwealth's rivers, lakes and coastal waters.

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