This is the story of the oldest salmonid hatchery in the world and the environmental fight to protect it. Kevin Prunty’s debut book, ‘Incubating the Trout’ is a detailed account of the world’s oldest commercially operated salmon hatchery in Oughterard, Ireland. The book chronicles the hatchery’s history, from its establishment in 1852 to its ongoing operations and conservation efforts. Prunty documents the hatchery’s environmental challenges, including pollution from agriculture and forestry, and the community’s fight to protect the Owenriff River ecosystem. He also details the hatchery’s role in stocking Lough Corrib with trout and the ongoing debate about the impact of hatchery practices on wild fish populations. Finally, the book includes personal reflections from the author on his involvement with the hatchery and its importance to the local community.