Review of Walleye Stocking Evaluations and Factors Influencing Stocking Success;Research rept

摘要

We reviewed the primary literature and agency reports from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and Canadian provinces on walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) stocking evaluations. Although a considerable body of grey literature is available, it did not add substantially to this review because of study design flaws and a lack of clear and objectively defined criteria for assessing project success. Peer reviewed literature contained several case histories that did not lead to generalized conclusions. A comprehensive review of case histories in North America and an analysis of an extensive set of case histories in Minnesota led Laarman (1978) and Li et al. (1996a) to the conclusion that supplemental stocking to enhance existing populations was usually not successful. Based on a limited number of studies, size of fingerling stocked influenced survival$ large fingerling (>5 inches) provided the highest returns. However, the higher survival of large fingerling does not appear to offset the increased production costs. Walleye body condition appears to be important to survival once stocked. Genetic differentiation exists among walleye populations.