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Walleye fishery of Lake Erie in 1943-62 with emphasis on contributions of the 1942-61 year-classes

January 1, 1970

The commercial fishery for walleyes (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) in Lake Erie virtually collapsed in the late 1950's. The extreme decline in production was attributed primarily to a succession of weak year-classes, caused by habitat deterioration (increased water temperatures, enrichment, and pollution) in western Lake Erie. Unusually high fishing intensity and high yields of walleyes in the mid-1950's contributed to the collapse.Annual lakewide production of walleyes dropped from a record high of 15 million lb in 1956 to a record low of 717,000 lb in 1962. Canadian catches exceeded those of the United States only during the high production years of 1956–58; U.S. fishermen took 71% of the total catch in 1915–62.On the basis of the numbers of fish of the various year-classes in the fall trapnet samples at Sandusky, Ohio, in 1943–62, all but one of the 1942–52 year-classes were above average strength, and all but one of the 1953–61 year-classes were below average. Fish of the 1953–61 year-classes grew much faster than those of the 1942–52 year-classes. The strong 1948 year-class was followed by a series of progressively weaker year-classes until 1958; year-class strengths remained low through 1962.

Publication Year 1970
Title Walleye fishery of Lake Erie in 1943-62 with emphasis on contributions of the 1942-61 year-classes
DOI 10.1139/f70-169
Authors John W. Parsons
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada
Index ID 1000481
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Great Lakes Science Center