Researcher says Jell-O may eliminate lake trout

[December 30, 2008]  BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) -- A researcher at Montana State University said Jell-O, ultrasound, microwaves and electroshocking are among the possible solutions to eliminate lake trout in Yellowstone National Park.

Lake trout were introduced illegally into the park and threaten native cutthroat trout in Yellowstone Lake. To find the best way to destroy lake trout eggs, Al Zale received a grant from the National Park Service. Zale heads the Montana Cooperative Fishery Research Unit at MSU.

He and his collaborators will analyze several potential solutions and recommend the best.

If Jell-O is chosen, Zale says it would probably be unflavored. He says workers could spread it over the fish eggs to smother them.

Zale adds that it would seem efficient to get rid of the eggs during spawning season, which occurs primarily during late fall.

[Associated Press]

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