Tom Betka, Research Titletown Chapter, Muskies Inc.Tom Betka, Research Director Titletown Chapter,...

Tom Betka, Research DirectorTitletown Chapter, Muskies Inc.

(Concerned Musky Angler)

[email protected]

Background History

GBMC assembled in November 2007 as a coalition of several area musky clubs, and also various interested individuals

Formed to unite the many concerned individuals & angler groups who share the common goal of supporting the muskellunge population in the system of Green Bay and its tributaries. Bring focus to the current effort, instead of various individuals each going in their own directionAdd weight to our voices – many voices speak louder than one

Background History (cont)

Purpose: To address the many concerns regarding the recently observed trends in the exploitation of the local muskellunge fishery, and the impending impact of VHSv on the musky population.

Purpose: To provide an identity for those interested in the cause, for both present and future efforts

Involved Parties

Various concerned individuals & groupsIncluding, but not limited to:

Muskies Inc., Musky Clubs Alliance of WIPete Maina, Joe Bucher, Keyes OutdoorsGreg Wells (past present MI, co-author of original 54” proposal) & Dennis Radloff (co-author of original 54” proposal)

Effort growing steadily…

History of effort to dateMusky reintroduction program began in 1989Yearly stocking113,000+ fingerlings and yearlings stocked thru 2006

1989-1995 (2200 fingerlings & yearlings per year)1996-2001 (2875 fingerlings & yearlings per year)2002-2005 (20,000 plus fingerlings & yearlings per year; stocking throughout the bay system)

Initial 40” size limit, increased to 50” in 200354” size limit resolution in spring, 2007

History of Effort to date (cont)2006 Georgian Bay/Green Bay project

Recent agreement in place to obtain broodstock fish from Georgian Bay

The plan is to establish two broodstock lakes near the Green Bay system to support future stocking efforts

$50,000 per year for five years being spent to obtain fish to enhance the genetic diversity of the Green Bay fishery (~$50/fish)Status a bit uncertain due to VHSv concerns, but apparently still on track

(Source: Greg Wells, past-President, Muskies Inc.; personal communication)

54” Size Resolution (Spring, 2007)Authors: Greg Wells & Dennis RadloffPassed in 25 of 26 counties where introduced

1096 Yes; 345 No (3.2:1)

Forwarded to Great Lakes Committee of CCDefeated 6 to 7 (2 abstained) in September 2007

Still pending at the biologist levelScheduled for discussion at February 2008 WMMT conference. Theoretically, could be advanced to the NRB by the DNR biologist at that pointMay take a re-introduction to the Conservation Congress in the spring of 2008

GBMC Comprehensive Plan

Four options, still in evolution…

Natural Resources Board proposalIncreased size limit resolution, via CCAssist in data acquisitionAngler education – enhance C&R success

Comprehensive Plan1) NRB resolution

Request a emergency moratorium on all musky harvest effective immediately, and for a period to be determined

Ontario MNR precedence five years for Wabigoon LakeLac Seul is still catch & release

Several biological reasons: Theme – we don’t know what we don’t know…

A) Uncertain population estimatesB) Uncertain harvest pressureC) VHSv & cessation of stocking efforts

NRB Resolution– basis

A) Uncertainty of population estimate2006, Kapuscinski et al:

425 adults in 2005 spawning pool (95% CI 173-1061) in the Fox River & lower bay

2007, WI DNR, Lake Michigan Fisheries Team: 2975 adults in 2006 spawning pool (95% CI 1642- 5199) in the Fox River & lower bay

Some questions:1) Why is there a large discrepancy between two consecutive years? (Which estimate is correct?)2) How many fish are in the rest of the bay?

NRB Resolution – basis (cont)

B) Uncertainty of exploitationMeyers & Lange, WI DNR (2007): 455 muskies caught in 2006, “about 6 legal size fish” harvested

47 fish caught in the 2006 Muskies Inc. “Best of the Best”C&R tournament (64 fish caught in the 2007 C&R tournament)

Confirmed evidence of at least 6 muskies harvested by one angler in 2006, but the total number remains unknownWhat is the true exploitation?

NRB Resolution – basis (cont)C) VHSv

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia virusRNA Rhabdovirus (rod-shaped)Cold water virus, most active in water less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit

maximum activity 6-9 degrees Celsius (43-48 degrees Fahrenheit)

Spread by:exchange of body fluids (urine, feces, reproductive fluids)infected forage (white fish, gizzard shad, goby, perch, sucker & drum all have been affected in the Great Lakes)

NRB Resolution – basis (cont)C) VHSv (cont)

Stocking effort has already sufferedNo new fingerlings stocked in 2007; none planned for 2008. (Gene Allen, Musky Clubs Alliance of WI; personal communication)No current protocols available to disinfect eggs

Efforts currently underway to develop disinfectant for eggs – procedures currently used for disinfecting Salmonid eggs are apparently ineffective for muskellunge eggsEastern US states are also actively engaged in this development

Unknown future status of the Georgian Bay broodstock project


VHSv (cont)Four known “types” (genotypes):

Types I, II, III are European/Asian strainsType IVa Atlantic strain Type IVb “Great Lakes sub-strain”

Isolated in 2005 from several muskies in Lake St. ClairEarliest known incidence in 2003 (isolated in 2005)

Not passed through birds or mammalsInactivated by the higher body temperatures of these animals

Once VHSv is present, it can never be eradicatedNo known method of killing the virus in the wild


VHSv: St. Lawrence RiverDr. John Farrell, State University of New York (personal communication, 12/2007)

Through 2002: 25-30 large fish per year in nets2003: 48 fish in catch nets2005: “large” die-off 2006: only 12 fish in catch nets2007: only 4 fish in catch nets


VHSv: Lake St. Clair

Gary Whelan, Fisheries Biologist, MI DNR (personal communication, 12/2007)

Lake St. Clair fishery; ~670 square mile areaEstimated 100,000 muskies total population (year 2000)“Very large” fish kill 2006Estimated 2000-4000 adult muskellunge killedSubsequent decrease in catchVHSv “extremely deadly” to muskies under laboratory conditions


VHSv: Lake St. Clair (cont)No dead muskies found in 2007

Virus has not been found in the system this year although anglers report decreased catch, especially in young adult muskellunge

Long-term effects of VHSv in the Lake St. Clair fishery are unknown

Large lake area thought to be somewhat protective…

Green Bay 186 square miles, (~1/4 the size of Georgian Bay)

Source: http://www.stopvhsfishvirus.com

VHSv Mortality Events2005

Source: Aquatic Animal Health ProgramCollege of Veterinary MedicineCornell University

VHSv Mortality Events2006

Source: Aquatic Animal Health ProgramCollege of Veterinary MedicineCornell University

VHSv - New York isolations

Source: Aquatic Animal Health Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University

Causes a hemorrhagic disease

VHSv multiplies in the endothelial cells of blood capillaries, and also in white blood cells, hematopoietic cells & kidney cells

VHSv – Gross Pathology


VHSv ‐ New York isolationsRound Goby – St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario

Muskellunge (57”, 45 lbs) –St. Lawrence River


Lake Whitefish –Door County, WI

Smallmouth Bass –Sturgeon Bay, WI

Brown Trout –near Algoma, WI

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (LZW) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

http://www.wisconsincherries.org/orchards.html


VHSv in Wisconsin waters: May, 2007

May 2007 Freshwater Drum – Wisconsin

Little Lake Butte des Morts

Wisconsin, 2007

http://wi.water.usgs.gov/pubs/FS-116-96/


Source: http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/documents/vhs_widistribution.pdf

www.coastwatch.msu.edu

VHSv: thru 2005



VHSv: thru 2006



VHSv: thru 2007


How bad can it get?2006 Freshwater Drum mortality in Lake ErieInvestigated by USFWS, LaCrosse, WIMillions of pounds of FW Drum“Windrows of fish” along the beach piled up 10’ wide and 4’ high

http://www.stopvhsfishvirus.com


Comprehensive Plan (cont)

1) Emergency NRB resolution

2) Increased size limit resolutionSociological rationale

Numerous fish taken by a few individualsVarying opinions on the practice of C&R

Other “world class” waters with higher limits or C&R

Price for skin mount virtually equal to replicaPossible alternative: tag system

Difficult to enforce?

Comprehensive Plan (cont)1) Emergency NRB resolution

2) Increased size limit resolutionSociological rationaleBiological rationale

Harvested fish will never realize full growth potentialThere are many examples of fish that approach theoretical Maximum Ultimate Limit (per Casselman data)

Harvested fish will never again contribute to gene poolInherent value of “survivor” genes in pool, with regards to VHSv survivability? (Gary Whelan)


Biological rationale (cont)Canada has adopted a 54 inch limit on “Record Class Fisheries” (i.e.; waters that may produce a world class fish)

Rationale based on the ultimate growth potential of muskellunge in a particular water body (Casselman et al. 1999, 2007)

“The most appropriate size limit must be based on the growth potential of fish from that water body.” (Ontario MNR, 2005)

Arguments against increased size limit…

Argument: Fish may never live long enough to reach record size

Kapuscinski’s model (2006)53.4” & 46.6 pounds (average maximum length and weight)Upper limit 95% CI: 60.34” length, 70.9 poundsLimitations: Too few fish of 50+ inches

Model would benefit from additional data in this size structure

Casselman’s data on Maximum Ultimate Size (2005)Ultimate size: Georgian Bay 58.5”; St. Lawrence River 60”Recall: Green Bay fish are offspring of broodstock from Lake Huron tributaries

Source: Kapuscinski et al, 2006


Argument: Fish may never live long enough to reach record size

Several 55-59+” fish already caught from the system; this seems to indicate larger lengths are possible (and perhaps likely?)

Conclusion: At least in terms of “average ultimate size,” the biological models seem to underestimate the true potential of the fish

Perhaps we should let the fish tell us the real answer while we gather more information?

http://www.titletownmuskiesinc.org/index.htm


Argument: Michigan would have to adopt the increased size limit for the Menominee River

Fact: Michigan has a 42” limit everywhere, except 50”in two areas:

Thornapple Lake (broodstock lake)Menominee River, from Hattie St. Dam to end of break walls in Green Bay (i.e.; different from their “Green Bay” waters)

Conclusion: Michigan has no other significant precedence for 50” limit, and thus may be quite willing to adopt Wisconsin’s recommendation for Green Bay and its tributaries

Increased size limit (cont)Current status of 54” resolution

Passed in 25 of 26 counties at spring hearingsDefeated September 2007 at the Great Lakes Committee meeting

Absence of supporting biological evidence to address (source: Ronald Vander Loop, GLC member)

May still be alive within WI DNROn the agenda at the February WMMT meetingWisconsin Muskellunge Management Team

Team of DNR Bureau of Fisheries Formed in the 1990sEarly WMMT efforts resulted in statewide increase in minimum size limit to 34”

Increased size limit (cont)Wisconsin Muskellunge Management Team

Team Sponsor – Scot Stewart (Fitchburg)Team Leader – Tim Simonson (Madison)Team Members – David Rowe (Fisheries Biologist, Green Bay), Steve Gilbert, Terry Margenau, Kurt Welke, Doug Welch, Jordan Weeks, Dr. Martin Jennings, Gary Lindenberger, John Aschenbrenner, Joe WeissTeam Partners – Dr. Brian Sloss, Bob Haase, Greg Wells

(Source: http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/musky/muskymanteam.html)


1) Emergency NRB resolution2) Increased size limit resolution

3) Support local researchIdentify shortcomings

Too little data on exploitation – total catch & harvest numbers?Too little on-going (prospective) research

Need money & time!

Support local research (cont)

Total angling pressure – really not known2007 Meyers & Lange (WI DNR Great Lakes Fisheries Committee report)

455 muskellunge caught, 6 harvested in 2006

47 fish caught in the Titletown MI tournament (2006)Thus 408 caught during the rest of 2006 by ALL remaining anglers…?

2007 Titletown MI tournament – 64 fish caught


Prospective research – possible toolsGraduate student projects

Two-year study typicallyStudent typically works with DNR biologistsUniversity Professor advisor, graduate committee

Dr. Michael Hansen, UWSP fisheries professor

Funding required…About $30K per year to fund a graduate studentFunding by the DNR and/or private donations


Graduate student projects (cont)

University will help with student recruitment

“Good science” can result – publishable in peer-reviewed journals

Useful data can (and does) make a difference in future management goals/efforts


Some possible study projects – if we fund it, they will come…

Impact of VHSv on the fishery

Habitat improvement – enhanced likelihood of natural reproduction

Radio-telemetry tagging – musky migration throughout the Fox River & Bay

Forage preferences of the muskellunge population in the system

Study the delayed mortality impact on the fishery

Study angler expectations – creel survey analysis

Precendence exists for private funding…

Significant financial support thus farMusky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin

Donations $200,000+ for restocking effort since reintroduction program began in 1989

Additional $9,500 from Titletown MI chapter & Muskies Inc. over the past two years

Comprehensive Plan

1) Emergency NRB resolution2) Increased size limit resolution3) Support local research4) Angler education – non-confrontational

Crucial! If we are advocating strict C&R, then we must also enhance the survivability of angled fish…

Must be multi-dimensionalLocal & regional level support neededShould involve media attention – TV, radio, print

Comprehensive Plan (cont)Angler education (cont)

Some possible mechanisms…Signs at landingsVolunteers at landings or on the water to aid with releaseMedia sources – educational articles on delayed mortality and the benefits of barbless hooks, minimal air exposure, etc.

Angler-oriented sources (TV shows, magazines, musky forums?)Example: Muskies Inc. magazine article; Mr. Outboard’s newsletter article

http://www.mroutboardsnewsletter.com/tips/dec07.html

Educational videos (MuskieFIRST already working on this)Solicit angler feedback – let them tell us how they feel

http://www.mroutboardsnewsletter.com/tips/dec07.html

In summary…As the largest fish in the system number the fewest but yet are the most targeted by anglers, they would seem to be the ones most at risk. Thus our efforts should focus on the immediate protection of these animals.

Given the impending VHSv threat coupled with uncertain population estimates and unknown angler exploitation, we are faced with a unique opportunity to address the problem in a proactive (rather than reactive) manner.

In summary…Given the recent halt in stocking efforts due to VHSv, it seems that gaps in future year classes are inevitable. Furthermore, given the current lack of egg disinfectant protocols, we are uncertain when stocking efforts will resume.

Thus the problem may become much more significant than currently anticipated, and it seems obvious that we should act now if we wish to maximize the benefits of any measures employed to protect the future of this fishery…

We can learn from past experience…“…Cleithrum Project data indicated that over the past 16 years, average maximum age of trophy muskellunge may have decreased by two years (23 to 21), associated with an increase in annual mortality rate from 18% to 20%. The 2% increase in annual mortality is comparable to a decrease in recruitment of about 70%. To compensate for a 2% increase in mortality of the oldest largest trophy muskellunge in the 25-30 yr range, recruitment would need to be doubled. Harvest reduction and catch-and-release procedures, which reduce mortality, are easier and more effective ways of sustaining or increasing the numbers of trophy muskellunge than trying to supplement recruitment through stocking… ”

(Casselman, Crossman & Robinson; Ontario Musky Management Workshop, 1995)

Questions or Comments?

Thank You for coming!

BibliographyBecker GC. Fishes of Wisconsin (1983). The University of Wisconsin Press, Madison, Wisconsin. ISBN 0‐299‐08790‐5.

Bozek MA, Burri TM. Diets of Muskellunge in Northern Wisconsin Lakes. North American Journal of Fisheries Management. 19:258‐270, 1999

Casselman SJ. Determining minimum ultimate size, setting size limits, and developing trophy standards and indices of comparable size for maintaining quality muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) populations and sports fisheries. Environ Biol of Fishes, 2007, 79: 137‐154(18).

Casselman, SJ. Catch‐and‐release angling: a review with guidelines for proper fish handling practices. Fish & Wildlife Branch. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Peterborough, Ontario. 2005.

Elsayed E., Faisal M., Thomas M., Whelan G., Batts W. & Winton J. Isolation of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus from muskellunge Esox masquinongy (Mitchell), in Lake St. Clair, Michigan, USA reveals a new sub lineage of the North American genotype. J of Fish Dis, 2006, 29: 611‐619

Bibliography (cont)Kapuscinksi KL., Belonger BJ., Fajfer S. and Lychwick TJ. Population dynamics of muskellunge in Wisconsin waters of Green Bay, Lake Michigan, 1989‐2005. Environ BiolFish. DOI 10.1007/s10641‐006‐9132‐2.

Meyers LS. & Lange RM. Reintroduction of Great Lakes muskellunge into Green Bay; in Lake Michigan Management Reports. Lake Michigan Fisheries Team, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Presented at the 2007 Lake Michigan Committee Annual Meeting, Ypsilanti Michigan, March 2007.

Minnesota Sea Grant, VHS Virus fact sheet. May 2007. (www.seagrant.umn.edu/fisheries/whs_virus_facts)

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Regulatory Guidelines for Managing the Muskellunge Sport Fishery in Ontario. Fisheries Section, Fish and Wildlife Branch. 2005.

Whelan GE. Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) Briefing Paper. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 08/2007.

Tom Betka, Research Titletown Chapter, Muskies Inc.Tom Betka, Research Director Titletown Chapter,...

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