Scientists have a new strategy to remove an invasive fish species from some Colorado streams

Scientists have a new tool in the fight to eradicate a fish that’s been causing havoc in some of Colorado’s mountain streams. Brook trout are a nonnative species introduced in the state more than a century ago. They breed prolifically and edge out many native fish species for food and other resources. Over the decades, "brookies" have steadily pushed out Colorado's native cutthroat trout. Now, scientists and wildlife officials are trying a new approach that involves altering the very biology of the brook trout. Reporter Michael Booth covers the environment for the Colorado Sun. He joined Erin O’Toole to talk about this new strategy to restore some native ecosystems – and how it’s already shown promising results. CLARIFICATION: We want to clarify a couple points from our recent interview about Colorado Parks and Wildlife working to remove brook trout from Colorado streams. First, the brook trout are being removed from some, but not all, Colorado streams to preserve the native cutthroat trout. Second, a Parks and Wildlife representative stressed that the trout with two YY chromosomes are created through selective breeding and hormone treatment -- meaning they're not genetically modified, in the way the term is typically used. * * * * * Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: [email protected] Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks! Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole Executive Producer: Brad Turner Theme music by Robbie Reverb Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.