GLATOS

Saginaw Bay Walleye

Project Title

Sources of Walleye Recruitment and Natural Reproduction in Saginaw Bay

Project Code

SAGWA

Project Duration

March 2022 - December 2026

Objectives

Determine the proportional utilization of 14 known tributary spawning aggregations in Saginaw Bay by Walleye.
Determine if off-shore rock reefs are a source of Walleye reproduction today and compare their utilization to tributaries.
Determine if migrant and resident Walleye aggregations differ in their spawning locations or timing.

Management Benefits

This work will indicate the relative importance of various reproductive sources and aid in decision making about future habitat protection and enhancement, whether dam removal, fish passage, or the creation of more off-shore reefs. The study findings will inform how well diversified the reproductive sources are for the Walleye population and may trigger new restoration efforts in some locations.

Investigators

Chris Vandergoot (Michigan State University) - vandergo@msu.edu
Dave Fielder (Michigan Department Of Natural Resources)
Travis Brenden (Michigan State University)
Todd Hayden (Great Lakes Fishery Commission)
Matthew Faust (Ohio Department Of Natural Resources)
Jan-Michael Hessenauer (Michigan Department Of Natural Resources)
Andrew Briggs (Michigan Department Of Natural Resources)

Participating Organizations

Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Michigan State University - Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
United States Geological Survey - Hammond Bay Biological Station
Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Division of Wildlife

Funding

Michigan Sea Grant
Great Lakes Fishery Commission