Intensive Production of Hybrid Walleye(Sander vitreus x S. canadense) in a Recycle Water System Gregory Fischer, Facility Manager University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility
Objectives The UWSP-Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility (Bayfield, WI) conducted a three year pilot project to evaluate and demonstrate commercially available new technologies for producing purebred and hybrid walleye for stocking and food fish. The project consisted of different areas including: Intensive production and seasonal advancement of captive walleye and sauger broodstock. Production of large walleye (>300mm)(12inch) on commercial feed for NR stocking. Production of hybrid walleye to food market size(454g)(1.0 pd) using intensive rearing and recirculation systems.
Sander vitreum Sander canadense Female Walleye X Male Sauger Hybrid Walleye (Saugeye)
Why Hybrid Walleye(Saugeye)??? Hybrid walleye have many characteristics suitable for aquaculture production: Ability to rear and spawn broodstock intensively and out of season. Ability to do entire rearing cycle intensively on commercial feeds. High growth rates and good feed conversions. Existing markets and good prices ($10-12 lb). Potential for aquaponics.
Materials and Methods Incubation
Materials and Methods Experimental Tank Setup for Phase I-II Intensive Rearing 240 L (60 gal) round tanks Sidewalls painted black Gray bottom Adjustable lighting Directional flow-thru 20ºC(70ºF) water (2-8 lpm) Clay(old mine #4)(50-80 NTU) 24 hr feeders Surface spray Removable screens Daily cleaning system
Water inflow pipe Feeder Surface spray Directional water flow Center screen
Otohime fry feed 200-1400 m Nelson Silvercup walleye grower 1.0mm
Materials and Methods Recycle System Used For Phase III-IV Intensive Growout RAS Parameters: 53,000 L water capacity 33 m³ tank culture space Fluidized sand biofilter Drum Filter Dual drain circular tanks Oxygen cone In sump electric heater 23ºC (74ºF)Water temp.
Results Overall Survival Percentages Intensive Rearing 100 % survival 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 Phase III Phase II Phase I 48% 48% >90% 0-38 mm 38-51 mm 51-102 mm 102-152 mm 152-239 mm 20 10 0 Phase and fish length
Walleye/Hybrid Walleye: Cannibalism Starts immediately Unobserved mortality Can account for low survival rate in ponds and in indoor tanks
Results Phase 1- Fry Culture Unobserved Phase I Fry Mortality ie. Cannibilism 60 50 51% Overall mortality % 40 30 20 33% 10 0 Low Density High Density
Results Growth Rates Hybrid Walleye vs Purebred Walleye Growth in Weight 450 400 350 Phase I Early Lifestage Rearing Phase II Phase III Growout in Recycle System 300 G rams 250 200 150 100 S E -10 S E -09 WE -10 WE -09 50 0 20 April 29 37 52 58 64 June 67 73 85 91 98 105 Aug 116 127 173 170 159 156 142 129 D ay s P os t Hatc h 187 Nov 197 201 222 228 251 262 288 317 346 366 March
1 year old Hybrid Walleye (1.0kg)
Results Extended Growout Growth Rates Weight gain of Hybrid Walleye R eared in R ecycle S ystem at 23 C 700 600 500 G rowout phas e III-IV DGR =1.4 g/day Grams 400 300 200 F ingerling phas e II DGR =0.5 g/day 100 0 50 66 95 114 159 192 235 270 310 370 430 490 560 Da ys P ost Ha tc h
Results Hybrid Walleye Feed Rates and Conversion Ratio 20 20 18 16 15 14 12 10 8 6 7 7.5 4 2 2 4 2 0 1 2 Growth Phase 3 1.6 4 FC TBWFD(%)
Conclusion Walleye and hybrid walleye can be successfully reared indoors utilizing captive broodstock, early advanced spawning, incubation, and rearing techniques Processing yields of >50% and initial marketing studies indicate good aquaculture potential and high demand for hybrid walleye as food fish.
Acknowledgements We would like to thank Alan Johnson at the Rathbun Fisheries Research Center in Iowa for all his assistance and guidance. We would also like to acknowledge the efforts of NADF technicians Kendall Holmes, Lance Bresette, Nate Martin. Dr. Chris Hartleb (Director) and Jim Held (Extension) have also provided assistance and guidance throughout this project. This project was supported by an Agricultural Development & Diversification grant through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Mention of trade name, proprietary product, or specific equipment does not constitute a guarantee or warranty and does not imply approval to the exclusion of other products that may be suitable. QUESTIONS?????????????? http://aquaculture.uwsp.edu gfischer@uwsp.edu