Not riled up, just concerned. I understand the mentioned actions were done jokingly, but since this discussion forum has a pretty broad readership (age starting from as early teens), some may take it seriously. I always bring it up as a precaution, so in a few weeks I wouldn't hear some kid being seen shooting slingshots at the otter and saying he was told that he should by people on Fishing with Rod.
Anyways, my recommendations still stand. How an ecosystem, natural or artificial, should be managed, is up to those who are trained to do so. Contact the conservation office or the Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery. Let them know your concerns. Without any solid numbers and background research, it would be pointless to estimate just exactly how many fish the otter would consume overtime. If the hatchery or CO feels that a lot of fish are being "wasted", actions maybe taken and stocking numbers maybe adjusted.
Bald eagles often dive into Rice Lake, Sasamat Lake and Buntzen Lake for stocked rainbows, should the hatchery stop stocking these lakes too?
I think you'll find many fishers and non-fishers would be happy to see an otter at the lake. After all, fishing isn't just about reeling in a fish, but appreciating the whole experience and its surroundings.
Although not a natural lake, Lafarge lake and other stocked lakes in the Lower Mainland provide a put and take fishery that bring new people into the sport. Increase of angling participation is translated into increase of licence sale, which generates more
funding for the fishery.
It is a blessing for kids in the Coquitlam area to have a lake sitting in the middle of the community where they can walk to and fish. Seeing an otter there would only result in tighter connection between the users and nature, and hopefully people would be aware how their actions may impact the local wildlife. Proper usage of our waterways start from these places. If people use the "it is only a gravel pit" attitude, then some may not care as much as others. Do you want this attitude to spread to your salmon streams, or trohy trout lakes as they begin to explore other fisheries?