The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking comments on a draft environmental assessment for stocking fish in state waters.
The assessmentis necessary to receive federal funding.
Stocking is largely funded through federal agencies, which require the department to do an environmental assessment every decade.
Julie Carter, of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, says the department studies economic and social impacts of the program and how stocked fish impact the environment. Although they focus on streams and watersheds, they also look at what happens elsewhere.
“There are also semi aquatic reptiles, there are also mammals, like the New Mexico meadow jumping mice, that like to, well they occupy areas on the banks of streams,” Carter said.
The deadline for comment is June 11.
