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Postharvest Length Changes of Angler‐Caught Walleyes
Author(s) -
Blackwell Brian G.,
Hubers Matthew J.,
Losco Robert G.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
north american journal of fisheries management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1548-8675
pISSN - 0275-5947
DOI - 10.1577/m02-066
Subject(s) - postharvest , fishery , stizostedion , fishing , fish <actinopterygii> , biology , environmental science , zoology , horticulture
Information concerning postharvest changes in fish length is important in the enforcement of length‐based regulations. We evaluated whether the total length of walleye Stizostedion vitreum changed following angler harvest and being frozen. Walleyes were collected by angling during open‐water periods at various water temperatures and during ice cover. To simulate angler practices, postharvest walleyes were placed in a cooler containing ice or in a live well. Postharvest, open‐water‐collected walleyes were measured at 1‐h intervals through 10 h, at 20 h, and after 30 d of frozen storage. Walleyes collected during ice fishing were measured through 36 h, at 44 h, and after 30 d of frozen storage. All collected walleyes were frozen for 30 d because it is often the time period that fish are held before being introduced as evidence in court. Postharvest walleyes held in a cooler tended to lose length, the greatest decrease occurring from those collected at the coldest water temperatures. A two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that both water temperature and time had significant ( P < 0.05) influence on total length changes for open‐water‐caught walleyes stored in coolers. Length change was minimal for walleyes held in live wells. While measurement time was not significant, water temperature significantly influenced the length change of walleyes held in a live well. Length changes for walleyes caught through the ice were similar to the changes observed for cooler‐held fish caught at the coldest open‐water temperature (10°C), but the amount of time required for change to occur was longer. Walleyes held in frozen storage generally exhibited a significant decrease in total length from the time of capture. Enforcement personnel should be aware of the potential length changes walleyes may exhibit while stored by anglers.