Biology and Management of Walleye and Sauger: Status and Needs

Walleye has become one of the most sought after species of freshwater sport fishes in North America. The huge demand for this species along with changes in its habitat has resulted in a dramatic decline in their numbers from their original populations over the past century. The purpose of this 1-day symposium is to present up-to-date information on the biology and management of walleye and sauger, particularly walleye, including topics on systematics, genetics, physiology, ecology, population dynamics, culture, and management practices, which will be of interest to managers, researchers, and students who deal with these species. The symposium will coincide with the publication of a new book, Biology, Management, and Culture of Walleye and Sauger, by the American Fisheries Society in 2011. The book is a comprehensive compilation and review of information on both species designed to fill the gap between the present and the first synthesis on walleye written more than 30 years ago by Colby, McNicol, and Ryder, published in 1979 by the FAO. Our schedule of presentations includes a number of synthesis presentations by lead authors of the book's chapters, along with contributed papers describing case histories and related management issues. At the end of the symposium, we will have an open forum discussion, moderated by Nick Baccante, also a chapter author, on The Future of Walleye Research and Needs for Management, with plans to prepare a summary paper from the forum for possible publication in Fisheries.