South Dakota Project
Influence of reservoir productivity on food web structure and walleye stocking success in two SD impoundments
July 2010 - July 2012
Personnel
Participating Agencies
- U.S. Department of Interior through South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks
Management of walleye fisheries in South Dakota impoundments can be hindered by factors that include poor habitat quality, eutrophication and limited natural recruitment. Richmond and Mina reservoirs, located in northeastern South Dakota, represent important regional fisheries and are managed for a variety of sport fishes. Natural reproduction of walleyes in both reservoirs is low, necessitating periodic stocking of fingerling fish. Despite increased stocking efforts in Mina Lake, walleye abundance has declined since the early 2000s, although the cause(s) for this decline are not understood. Using a comparative, experimental approach, this study aims to document factors affecting survival of walleye fingerlings and develop a management plan for improving the abundance of walleye in South Dakota impoundments
| Presentations | Presentation Date |
|---|---|
| Thul, M.T., S.R. Chipps, and B.G. Blackwell. 2011. Food Habits of Walleye and Freshwater Drum in Northeast South Dakota. Iowa Chapter AFS Annual Meeting, Rathbun, Iowa. | March 2011 |
| Thul, M.D., S.R. Chipps, and B.G. Blackwell. 2011. Spatial variation in growth and survival of stocked walleye fingerlings. 141st Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, Seattle, WA. | September 2011 |