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Effect of Stocking Density on Walleye Performance in Ponds Lined with Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer
Author(s) -
Ward Matthew J.,
Stane Justin,
Schrock Garret,
Funk Clayton
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
north american journal of aquaculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.432
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1548-8454
pISSN - 1522-2055
DOI - 10.1080/15222055.2012.672371
Subject(s) - stocking , biology , zoology , substrate (aquarium) , yield (engineering) , fishery , ecology , materials science , composite material
A prior study suggested that the yield of walleyes Sander vitreus from ponds lined with ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) exceeds the yield from earthen (substrate) ponds. To evaluate production potential in an EPDM pond, walleye performance was compared between two stocking densities, low (187,500 fry/ha) and high (375,000 fry/ha). Stocking density did not significantly affect walleye survival (low density = 88%, high = 82%). At harvest, walleyes were 6 mm longer for the low‐density treatment but yield was greater in the high‐density treatment (low density = 72 kg/ha, high = 88 kg/ha). Depending on size of walleyes desired, a pond stocking density of 375,000 fry/ha may be excessive, particularly during years when fry survival is high (>80%). To reassess the prior findings that walleye growth in EPDM ponds exceeds that in earthen substrate ponds, growth was compared between earthen and EPDM ponds provided a standard stocking density of 187,500 fry/ha. Similar findings were experienced, with walleyes being 11 mm longer at harvest in EPDM ponds.