Are reared juveniles fit for release into the wild?

Abstract

The main question that has to be raised when planning to enhance natural fish populations is whether reared fish are fitted for a life in the wild, or more specifically, whether there are differences between reared and indigenous fish. There are many published examples of observed differences between reared and wild individuals. The causes and effects of these differences are discussed. Results from the Norwegian enhancement programme, comparing reared and wild individuals of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L., and European lobster, Homarus gammarus L. are discussed in the light of other results in the literature.