Fisheries professionals discuss the future of walleye research

The wide distribution and exquisite flavor of walleye Sander vitreus have made it one of the most popular game fish, not only in Wisconsin, but throughout the country.  It is also important to the Chippewa Tribes of Wisconsin as part of their cultural heritage and as a source of food.  It is, therefore, critical for fisheries managers to make sound management decisions based on the best science available.  In the December 2011 issue of Fisheries, Baccante et al. (2011) summarized a discussion forum held at the 2011 American Fisheries Society meeting on gaps in walleye research.  Here, I outline some of the research needs identified by Baccante et al. (2011).  With walleye on the agenda at the Conservation Congress meetings in April, this information could be useful to attendees appearing on behalf of the walleye.

Health:  The effects of exposure to the ever-increasing number of pollutants on anatomy, physiology and endocrinology.

Habitat:  Understand the relationship between fish production and habitat quality and quantity to improve habitat enhancement and restoration projects.

Diet:  Measure ontogenetic shifts in diet and diet overlap with other species.

Physiology:  Determine and evaluate the genetic and environmental factors that control or relate to maturation, gamete development and spawning

Ecology:  Further understanding of walleye ecology in river systems because most of the research conducted thus far has been on walleye populations in lakes.

Genetics:  Genetics markers should be established to assist in differentiating stocks and tracking stock distributions and movements.  Genetic markers could also be used by law enforcement agencies to identify illegally harvested fish or fillets.

Meta-analysis:  Data from individual populations should be combined to understand relationships between populations and get a broader understanding of the species.

Aquaculture:  Increase knowledge of nutritional requirements, culture techniques and health and disease concerns for hatchery raised fish so high demand for walleye can be met.  Detect or predict domestication effects to make sure hatchery-raised fish are compatible with local populations.  Evaluate transport and release techniques and conditions of stocked bodies of water to ensure efficiency in stocking programs.

Sustainability:  Establish reference points, in terms of yield, for sustainable walleye fisheries.

Climate change:  Investigate potential impacts of a changing environment on year-class strength

Selected definitions:

Anatomy: the study of the structure of living things.

Physiology: the study of the chemical and physical functions within a living system.

Endocrinology: the study of hormones.

Gamete: a mature sexual reproductive cell, typically a sperm or egg.

Meta-analysis: combining the results of several studies to address related hypotheses.

Culture (fish): Artificially growing fish through various stages development.

Yield: the amount of fish landed, or catch, typically measured in weight.

Baccante, D.A., B.A. Barton, M.A. Bozek and J.C. Bruner. 2011. Future research needs of walleye and sauger. Fisheries. 36: 618-619.