Vermont hatchery reports 400K walleye stocking to support declining population

In a recent meeting of the Senate Institutions in Vermont, discussions centered around the ongoing efforts to sustain the walleye fishery in the state, highlighting the importance of hatchery programs and the challenges posed by environmental factors. The meeting, held on April 18, 2025, provided insights into the financial requests and operational strategies of the local fishery management.

One of the key topics was a request for a $50,000 grant over two years, which has been a consistent funding source for the hatchery. This grant, administered through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, is crucial for maintaining the hatchery's operations, which play a vital role in supporting the walleye population in local waters. The hatchery's work is particularly significant given the noted decline in natural reproduction rates among walleye, attributed to various ecological pressures, including predation and invasive species.

The hatchery employs a method involving oxytetracycline to mark fish, allowing for tracking and monitoring of their populations. This process includes sampling fish to assess their health and origins, ensuring that the hatchery's contributions are effectively bolstering the walleye population. Recent data indicated that out of 450 fish sampled, only four were from natural reproduction, underscoring the hatchery's critical role in sustaining the fishery.

Additionally, the meeting featured a discussion on the financial management of the hatchery, with new treasurer Cameron emphasizing the importance of maintaining financial excellence to support ongoing projects. The hatchery aims to stock approximately 400,000 fish this year, a significant effort to counterbalance the fishing pressure and ecological challenges faced by the walleye population.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the essential work being done to preserve Vermont's walleye fishery through strategic funding and innovative hatchery practices. As the state grapples with environmental challenges, the continued support for these initiatives will be crucial in ensuring the sustainability of local fish populations and the health of aquatic ecosystems.