What Should You Know About Michigan DNR's Walleye Count Plans?

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is initiating a comprehensive plan to assess the population of young walleye in Michigan's lakes through a series of nighttime electrofishing surveys. These assessments, set to run from now until mid-October 2023, are designed to determine whether young walleye, known as young-of-year, are reproducing naturally or are the result of stocking efforts. This data is instrumental in enabling effective management decisions regarding the state's walleye populations.

Last updated: 02 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

The DNR will conduct nighttime electrofishing surveys to count young-of-year walleye.
The aim is to determine the natural reproduction versus stocking success in various lakes.
Electrofishing temporarily stuns fish for easier capture, ensuring minimal harm.
Surveys will involve collaboration with tribal agencies and other organisations.
Public safety measures are in place during electrofishing operations.

Understanding the Plan for Walleye Surveys

The DNR's initiative to survey young walleye populations is timely and crucial for managing fisheries effectively in Michigan. The surveys will primarily focus on identifying whether the young walleye present in various lakes are the results of natural spawning or if they have been stocked. This distinction is vital for evaluating the health and sustainability of the walleye populations.

The surveys will take place at night when walleye are known to migrate to shallower areas, making it easier for the DNR crews to capture them. The use of electrofishing technology allows for efficient data collection while ensuring the safety of the fish.

What is Electrofishing?

Electrofishing is a widely accepted method for fish population surveys. It involves the application of an electric field in the water to temporarily incapacitate fish, allowing for easy capture. According to the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, the process is both effective and safe when conducted properly.

Here’s how it works:

A generator or battery creates an electrical current.
Electrical anodes are deployed into the water from a boat.
The current travels from the anodes back to a cathode, typically the boat's hull.
Fish within the electrical field are momentarily stunned, allowing them to float to the surface for capture.

This technique is particularly useful because it minimises stress on the fish compared to traditional fishing methods, and it allows biologists to collect valuable data such as size, age, and genetic information.

The Purpose of the Walleye Surveys

During the surveys, the DNR aims to collect data on both stocked and wild populations of young-of-year walleye. This information will help determine the success rate of walleye stocking programmes and the extent of natural reproduction in various lakes. By capturing samples of these fish, biologists can analyse whether the young walleye are primarily the offspring of stocked fish or if they are reproducing in the wild.

Additionally, the DNR employs genetic techniques to assess stocking success, which will be performed at Michigan State University on tissue samples collected during the surveys. The results will provide insights into the long-term sustainability of walleye populations in Michigan.

Collaboration with Other Agencies

Collaboration is key to the success of these surveys. The DNR will partner with tribal agencies and other natural resource departments to conduct the surveys effectively. This teamwork ensures a comprehensive approach to understanding walleye populations across different jurisdictions.

In the Upper Peninsula, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service will also join forces with the DNR, conducting independent surveys in the Hiawatha National Forest. The aim is to build long-term datasets that will aid in the management of walleye fisheries across various inland lakes.

Safety Considerations for the Public

While the surveys are crucial for fishery management, the DNR has emphasised the importance of public safety during electrofishing operations. Members of the public are advised to exercise caution around electrofishing boats, particularly when fishing or engaging in water activities nearby.

To ensure safety, individuals wading in the water will be asked to exit when survey boats approach and during the electrofishing process. The DNR will illuminate the water around their boats with bright lights and operate generators, which may impede communication with those on shore.

What Happens Next?

The data collected from these surveys will guide the DNR in making informed decisions regarding the management of walleye populations. This includes decisions on stocking practices, habitat restoration, and regulatory measures to ensure that walleye populations remain healthy and sustainable for future generations.

The results are expected to provide insights into the effectiveness of current management strategies and inform potential adjustments needed to support the walleye population in Michigan lakes.

FAQs

What are young-of-year walleye?

Young-of-year walleye refer to walleye fish that have hatched during the current year. These fish are crucial for understanding the success of natural reproduction versus stocking efforts.

How does electrofishing affect fish?

Electrofishing temporarily stuns fish, allowing them to be captured easily. The technique is designed to minimise harm and stress to the fish, making it an effective survey method.

Are the surveys dangerous for the public?

While electrofishing poses no risk to the public when safety precautions are followed, individuals near survey boats should be cautious and follow the recommendations from the DNR to ensure safety.

How long will the surveys last?

The electrofishing surveys will begin this month and continue until mid-October 2023, allowing ample time for data collection across various Michigan lakes.

What will happen with the survey data?

The data collected will inform the DNR's future management decisions regarding walleye populations, including stocking strategies and conservation efforts to maintain healthy fish populations.

As these surveys unfold, they will undoubtedly provide critical information for the future of walleye management in Michigan, shaping strategies that benefit both the fish and the fishing community. How will these findings influence the fishing experience in Michigan's lakes? #WalleyeSurvey #MichiganDNR #FisheriesManagement