Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 85 INTERVIEW WITH DAVID BROOKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MONTANA TROUT UNLIMITED WHAT ARE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS THAT WILL AFFECT TROUT POPULATIONS OVER THE NEXT 30 YEARS? In addition to lower flows, warmer water temperatures, and earlier and less spring runoff, trout populations will be affected by diseases that thrive in those same conditions. One example is PKD (proliferating kidney disease), the parasite that killed thousands of whitefish and shut down 150 miles of the Yellowstone River in the summer of 2017. Algae blooms are a result of increased nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, in river and lake systems. Lower flows mean that the rel- ative concentration of nutrients, often a result of fertilizer and raw sewage entering waterways through discharges or runoff, is higher. e same goes for any other contaminant in water. Trout face the development of more and larger populations of invasive, non-native fish that compete for habitat, are better adapted to warmer water, or eat trout. Trout are already suffering impacts from introduced (often illegally) fish such as Northern pike, lake trout, and walleye. ere are some positive developments for trout happening that will hopefully grow in the future. e public is increasingly aware of the impor- tance of native and wild trout, as well as the threats they face. Our state and federal management agencies recognize and, in some ways, are advanc- ing the cause of caring for native and wild trout in Montana. Statewide or watershed-based organizations are working on solutions that meet the needs of trout, healthy streams, and human water use. e angling and outdoor recreation industry are keenly aware of how their economic futures depend on caring for the health of trout and trout streams. WILL TROUT BE GENETICALLY MODIFIED IN SOME WAY TO WITHSTAND LIKELY HIGHER TEMPERATURES AND THE SLOWING OF WATER FLOW? Probably not. Genetic modification through evolution happens too slowly to keep apace of our changing climate and changing stream conditions. DO YOU EXPECT THAT TROUT SPORT FISHING AND LICENSING WILL BE PRO- GRESSIVELY MORE RESTRICTIVE OVER THE COMING DECADES? It is very possible that negative impacts to native and wild trout popu- lations will demand more restrictive fishing practices and licensing. We already see increasingly regular restrictions on angling when late summer flows drop and high water temperatures are stressing trout. Catch and release trout fishing is almost a universal practice for anglers. Using barb- less hooks has gained traction with many anglers, including guides and outfitters, who want to reduce stress on fish. More people who catch trout are abiding by the voluntary practice of "keeping them wet," such as using nets and quick-release tools so that trout hooked trout stay in the water at all times and hooks are removed from their mouths as quickly as possible. Nonetheless, in the last few decades we can no longer angle for endan- gered bull trout in Montana (with the exception of a few places and with special permits), for example. IMAGINE AND DESCRIBE FOR US A DAY OF TROUT FISHING IN THE YEAR 2049. WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE? In the year 2049, it's possible you will have to pick or apply for a limited number of days on which you can angle for trout in Montana. You will also have to follow rules about the few stretches of mainstem rivers or tributaries in which you can fish. Because bug life will have shifted with the changing climate, you will tie or buy flies unknown to us today. You will use a wireless device that will track your day of fishing and confirm that you are abiding by any relevant place and time restrictions on angling. Your device will also allow you to record water temperature, the species you catch, and their condition. Using a small plug-in for your device, you will be able to sample the water for common contaminants and suspected disease pathogens. Because of the restrictions, catching one will be all the more rare, precious, and primal. You will marvel at the clarity and chill of the water, the algae-free cobble stream bottom, and the smattering of native plants and birds you see. HOW CAN INDIVIDUALS ADVOCATE TODAY FOR PROTECTING THE FUTURE OF TROUT POPULATIONS AND SPORT FISHING? At Montana Trout Unlimited we advocate for policy that cares for clean water at the local, state, and federal levels. at entails paying at- tention and staying involved in all water laws and regulations or laws that affect water quality and quantity. We engage in on-the-ground work that restores streams, increases instream flow, and protects fish. is means working with landowners, water users, managing agencies and other part- ners to tackle projects that benefit trout and people, such as making an irrigator's water use more efficient so that more water stays in a river and necessary crops get watered. And, we educate the public, especially young people, the next generation of anglers and conservationists. Working to protect trout is about working to protect clean water. ere are not many things more fundamental to our lives and futures than that. Join Trout Unlimited. Get involved with your local chapter. DAVID BROOKS most recently served Montana Trout Unlimited as Conservation Director and is now Executive Director. He looks forward to applying his background to studying Superfund sites and watershed issues and to MTU's mission of conserving and restoring the state's coldwater fisheries. As part of earning his PhD in history at the University of Montana, David wrote the book on Superfund cleanup of the Milltown Dam site on the Clark Fork. Since moving to Missoula in 2000, he has walked, jogged, peddled, paddled, rowed, hunted, skied, and ogled as many wild places and open spaces in the state as possible. Smith River memories www.distinctlymontana.com/trout192 DISTINCTLY MONTANA | DIGITAL

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