Effects of Stocking Size and Rearing Method on Muskellunge Survival in Chautauqua Lake, New York

McKeown, Paul E.; Forney, John L.; Mooradian, Stephen R.

doi:10.1577/1548-8675(1999)019<0249:eossar>2.0.co;2

Cited by 20 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Density dependent mortality occurs in many self-sustaining fish populations of many species (Myers and Cadigan 1993;Myers et al 1997), and also occurs with stocking density in individual waters (McKeown et al 1999;Sutlea et al 2004). Our findings agree with those of McKeown et al (1999), who suggested that carrying capacity may limit the success of stocked fish if the stocking density is above some level in any individual water. Our results suggest that density-dependent mortality associated with walleye stocking rate may be generalized across waters.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determining Optimal Stocking Rates Using a Stock–Recruitment Model: An Example Using Walleye in Northern Wisconsin

Fayram

Hansen

Nate

2005

N American J Fish Manag

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We propose that stock-recruitment models can be used to estimate optimal stocking rates. Data to estimate the optimal stocking rates can be obtained in a relatively short amount of time by sampling similar populations over a few years. Whether the goal of stocking is endangered species recovery or supplementation of recreational fisheries, accurately determining the optimal stocking rate is of ecological and financial importance. As an example, we applied this approach using a Ricker stock-recruitment model to walleye Sander vitreus stocking in northern Wisconsin lakes. Using June stocking data and fall age-0 survey data for 39 lakes over a 14-year time period, we found that the stocking rate resulting in the greatest number of age-0 walleyes was 60 age-0 walleyes/ha. Similarly, using June stocking data and fall age-1 survey data in 18 lakes over a 9year time period we found that the stocking rate resulting in the greatest number of age-1 walleyes was 75 age-0 walleyes/ha. About 16% of the variation in fall age-0 walleye density was explained by the stocking rate, and 28% of the variation in fall age-1 walleye density was explained by the stocking rate. Density-dependent survival was apparent and significant, as low and high stocking densities resulted in lower age-0 and age-1 juvenile walleye densities. The lake surface area explained a significant amount of the residual variation in the age-1 stock-recruitment relationship such that stocked walleyes generally survived at lower rates in large lakes than in small lakes, which may be due to a greater diversity of predators in larger lakes. Based on our analysis, we recommend stocking small fingerling walleyes at a rate of 75 fish/ha in northern Wisconsin lakes.Fishery management agencies stock billions of fish annually. The rationale for stocking fish into different systems ranges from recovery of an endangered species or collapsed fishery to providing recreational opportunities for anglers. Stocking of fish is often controversial because of its potential genetic, ecological, and financial impacts (Schramm and Piper 1995). Even in cases that involve endangered species, where there seems to be a reasonable rationale for at least considering the use of stocked fish, their exact role is subject to debate (Brannon et al. 2004;Myers et al. 2004). In spite of the controversy, large-scale hatchery programs exist in virtually every state and prov-

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determining Optimal Stocking Rates Using a Stock–Recruitment Model: An Example Using Walleye in Northern Wisconsin

Fayram

Hansen

Nate

2005

N American J Fish Manag

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“…Rearing hatchery fish to larger sizes leads to increased survival upon release (Gunn et al. 1987; McKeown et al. 1999; Yule et al.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Stocking studies that attempted to identify optimal ages for release into natural environments reported mixed results with respect to survival based on age at stocking (Elrod et al 1988;Margenau 1992;Secor & Houde 1998;Amtstaetter & Willox 2004). Rearing hatchery fish to larger sizes leads to increased survival upon release (Gunn et al 1987;McKeown et al 1999;Yule et al 2000), and probabilities of juvenile survival may be non-independent among members of the same family. Accordingly, if different gamete collection methods result in different levels of mean coancestry relative to the number of adults contributing to individuals that survive to the time of release, then evaluations of different gamete/larval collection methods are warranted.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hatchery rearing environment and age affect survival and movements of stocked juvenile lake sturgeon

Crossman¹,

Forsythe²,

Scribner³

et al. 2010

Fisheries Management and Ecology

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Considerable uncertainty exists over the relative merits of alternative supplementation strategies for lake sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens Rafinesque. Numerous supplementation prescriptions have been advocated, largely in the absence of data, focusing on perceived impacts of levels of genetic diversity of progeny collected using different collection methods, and probabilities of survival relative to the size or age of fish released. The hypothesis that collection method, hatchery rearing environment and size/age at the time of release do not influence survival and movements was tested. Acipenser fulvescens gametes and juveniles were collected using three methods and reared in a stream-side hatchery along the natal stream and in a traditional non-natal hatchery environment. Acipenser fulvescens were released into the Upper Black River, Michigan at 8, 13, and 17 weeks of age. Higher rates of recapture were found for juvenile sturgeon reared in the stream-side hatchery than the traditional hatchery for the releases at 8 and 13 weeks. Recapture rates and dispersal distances were significantly greater for fish stocked at 17 weeks than for fish released at earlier ages. Large body size was negatively correlated with timing of movements across all ages indicating that survival may be enhanced by releasing individuals at night. Results indicate that supplementation protocols for A. fulvescens should be developed on a system specific basis and demonstrate the importance of hatchery-rearing environment when fish of younger ages are released. K E Y W O R D S :Acipenser fulvescens, collection methods, dispersal, supplementation.

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“…Thus, to account for variation among species for behaviors that can be modified, it may be necessary to have an understanding of ecology and life history traits for a particular species. While overhead cover and structure in rearing tanks may stimulate appropriate feeding or territorial behavior for salmonid fry (Berejikian et al 2000), other species, such as esocids, may benefit from pond rearing with live prey prior to stocking to reduce predation vulnerability and improve feeding success (Szendrey and Wahl 1995;Wahl 1995;McKeown et al 1999).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Behavior, Growth and Habitat Selection of Hatchery Esocids Reared with Artificial Vegetation

Einfalt¹,

Wojcieszak²,

Wahl³

2013

Trans Am Fish Soc

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We evaluated the effect of adding artificial vegetation to the rearing environment on behavior, habitat selection, and growth of hatchery esocids in laboratory experiments. First, Muskellunge Esox masquinongy and the hybrid Tiger Muskellunge (Muskellunge × Northern Pike E. lucius) resided separately in pools either with or without artificial vegetation (250 stems/m2) for 2 weeks. Both taxa raised in vegetated pools dispersed and spent more time away from the sides of the pools than did individuals residing in open pools. Tiger Muskellunge in vegetated pools also startled less often than fish in open pools, whereas vegetation did not decrease Muskellunge startle behavior. We next examined habitat selection between esocids raised in tanks with and without vegetation. Fish were tested in semivegetated pools, and for Tiger Muskellunge acclimated in vegetation, more fish (80%) used the vegetated half of the pool compared with fish raised in open tanks (61%). Muskellunge, regardless of treatment, spent a high proportion (>90%) of time in vegetation. Finally, growth of both taxa was similar between esocids reared in vegetated tanks compared with esocids reared in open tanks. The presence of artificial vegetation in tanks caused changes in behavior for both esocid taxa, but Tiger Muskellunge were more flexible in modifying their behavior. Behavioral responses resulting from exposure to vegetation could increase survival after stocking in lakes.

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Effects of Stocking Size and Rearing Method on Muskellunge Survival in Chautauqua Lake, New York

Cited by 20 publications

References 15 publications

Determining Optimal Stocking Rates Using a Stock–Recruitment Model: An Example Using Walleye in Northern Wisconsin

Determining Optimal Stocking Rates Using a Stock–Recruitment Model: An Example Using Walleye in Northern Wisconsin

Hatchery rearing environment and age affect survival and movements of stocked juvenile lake sturgeon

Behavior, Growth and Habitat Selection of Hatchery Esocids Reared with Artificial Vegetation

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