PRODUCTION OF WALLEYE Sander vitreus AND HYBRID WALLEYE S. vitreus × S. canadense WITH FORMULATED FEED UTILIZING VARIOUS REARING SYSTEMS AND NOVEL TECHNOLOGIES FOR COMMERCIAL FOOD FISH PRODUCTION

For over ten years the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility (UWSP-NADF) staff scientists have successfully used a variety of rearing systems, formulated feed, and novel technology to produce purebred walleye, purebred sauger and hybrid (walleye female x sauger male) fingerlings and market sized fish for different uses. Field trials conducted by UWSP-NADF scientists have shown  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.  We will discuss findings from several past and ongoing research projects that involve novel methodology including; out of season spawning, intensive fry-fingerling production, hybridization, cold banking, recycle systems and more as potential ways to improve walleye aquaculture for the commercial production of this valuable food fish.