INTENSIVE PRODUCTION OF WALLEYE Sander vitreus AND HYBRID WALLEYE IN A RECYCLE WATER SYSTEM UTILIZING A DOMESTIC BROODSTOCK

Gregory J. Fischer,
University of Wisconsin-Steven Point
Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility
P.O. Box 165
Bayfield, WI 54814

Email: gfischer@uwsp.edu
Phone: 715-779-3461
Fax: 715-779-3486

Past research efforts have investigated seasonal advancement of spawning, intensive indoor fry-fingerling production, and hybridization as potential ways to improve walleye aquaculture, but the commercial advantages of these technologies have not been proven. Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility (UWSP-NADF) have successfully adapted and modified these technologies to produce purebred walleye, purebred sauger and hybrid (walleye female x sauger male) fingerlings utilizing a commercial scale 23ºC water recycle system. Intensivley reared domestic broodstock reared on site have been utilized for portions of this work and will be discussed. Field trials conducted by UWSP-NADF scientists showed remarkable growth of walleye and hybrids fed commercial diet of up to 1.0kg within 12 months. Preliminary results with these fish from food processors and aquaculture marketing indicate a high dollar potential for purebred walleye and hybrid walleye for stocking and food fish uses.

Keywords: Intensive, Hybrid, Walleye, Recycle Water System, Domestic Broodstock..