Dictionary definition of “bucket biologist”

bucket biologist

n. a person who illegally or carelessly introduces an aquatic species into a new environment. Also bucket biology, such a practice. Subjects: English, Animals, Insects, & Birds, Biology, Environment

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Citations: 1993 Larry Porter Omaha World-Herald (Nebraska) (Sept. 5) “Merritt Fishing Offers Something for Everyone” p. 14C: There’s no doubt in my mind that northern pike have been put in.…I think it’s called “bucket biology.” They probably were brought over here from the Valentine refuge lakes during the winter. 1994 Larry Porter Omaha World-Herald (Nebraska) (Oct. 23) “‘Bucket Biologists’ Stir Up Problems” p. 10C: The balance of nature in every lake is so fine that an ignorant bucket biologist has the potential to plunder and vandalize a fishery.…Bucket biologists are hard at work all over the country. Walleyes are being dumped into Montana lakes. Rainbow trout are destroying native brook trout fisheries in the East.…Bucket biologists are ignorant, selfish people. If professional biologists make mistakes—a case in point is the introduction of stripers at Lake McConaughy—how can the bomb-like buckets of amateurs not explode? 1998 John D. Varley, Paul Schullery Yellowstone Fishes (Sept.) p. 19: This illegal introduction, like the Arnica Creek episode, is a sign of a phenomenon widespread in lakes and streams throughout North America. Known among fisheries professionals as bucket biology, these clandestine actions put the preferences of a few selfish individuals above the needs of the public and the well-being of countless priceless aquatic resources. 2000 Colorado Division of Wildlife Wildlife Report (Colorado) (Apr. 25) “Northern Pike—A Troublesome Trophy”: While pike have not been stocked extensively in Colorado waters since the early 1980s, some fish have escaped, or been “planted” illegally by “bait bucket biologists” in other Colorado waters where they were not intended to be, sometimes repeatedly. 2006 Elizabeth Wynne Johnson @ Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Oregon Public Broadcasting (Aug. 29) “Idaho Fights Invasive Species With Drawdown, Poison”: There’s a term for people who transplant fish into a body of water where they don’t belong: They’re called “bucket biologists.”

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