The pond at Granite Regional Park is the new home of the long-lost aquatic species, the Sacramento perch. The perch was native to valley waterways but it disappeared five decades ago due to the changing environment. Fish said it's a great species for sport fishing and for food. Now, the state is launching a pilot project to bring the fish population back, and Granite Park is the first place it's being released.
Approximately 3, young perch have now been stocked in the pond. Vincent Devenecia is a local fisherman and said he's hoping his young son hooks one. This is a pilot perch study, meaning that scientists will research how the fish adapts to its new environment and determine if more should be released in the future.
It's also a way to increase genetic diversity in the species by planting them in areas they've been gone from for decades. The researchers are also eager to see the reaction from anglers, most of whom have never reeled in this rare catch. The perch have been released just in time for Saturday's free Fishing in the City clinic at Granite Regional Park, which begins at 8 a.
Long-lost fish species Sacramento perch make return to region. Story by CBS Sacramento. Sacramento perch California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
