Spatial ecology of Walleye (Sander vitreus) in the Bay of Quinte and eastern Lake Ontario

Session: Restoration and Management of Great Lakes Fishes (3)

Connor Elliott, Queen's University, [email protected]
Erin Brown, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, [email protected]
Jim Hoyle, ON Ministry of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Bruce Tufts, Queen's University, [email protected]

Abstract

Walleye (Sander vitreus) in the Bay of Quinte and eastern Lake Ontario are known to be highly migratory. Until recently, most of the available information about their movements has been obtained from traditional assessment approaches. Acoustic telemetry and expanding GLATOS receiver networks are now providing new opportunities to gain more detailed insights into their seasonal movements and distributions. The information collected as part of this study will be valuable to guide future management decisions for this trophy Walleye fishery. This project has been using acoustic telemetry to collect multiple years of fine scale movement data for Walleye in this area. Since the spring of 2017, 149 Walleye have been surgically implanted with acoustic transmitters at various locations, both within the Bay of Quinte and across eastern Lake Ontario. A combination of smaller non-migratory and larger migratory fish have been tagged in an attempt to better understand patterns of movement at different life history stages. Movement data for different groups of Walleye will be presented and the factors that might be driving these movements will be discussed.