Habitat Research - Effects of Exploitation on Northern Walleye Populations

The objectives of this research project are: To evaluate the impact of minimal (<5%), 22%, and 35% exploitation rates on walleye population size, reproduction, and age and size structure and to determine the ramifications of those exploitation rates on other fish species in the fishery.

Background

Walleye have always been a popular fish for consumption, but their popularity as a sport fish has been growing rapidly in recent years. Many professionals predict that if they haven"t already, walleye will surpass bass in popularity as the nation"s top sport fish. The number of walleye tournaments continue to grow and there is more technology available for today"s walleye angler than ever before. In Wisconsin, walleye probably rank as the number one sport fish.

Sustainable walleye yield has been given high research priority by state and federal agencies and Wisconsin Chippewas. The DNR has taken the initiative to determine the effects of various exploitation rates on northern walleye populations. This project will be conducted jointly with the U.S. Forest Service and the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission. The University of Notre Dame will also be significantly involved with this project at the field level.

Knowing the effects of specific exploitation rates will allow managers to regulate and manage individual walleye populations based on quantitative biological information. Currently, this type of management is rare because the effects of various exploitation rates on walleye populations are not quantified.

For more information on this topic please contact:
Steven Newman (715) 356-5211