Spawning Locations, Movements, and Potential for Stock Mixing of Walleye in Green Bay, Lake Michigan

Effective fishery management in large systems relies on understanding how individual stocks contribute to a over spatial and temporal scales. The current conceptual model for of Walleye Sander vitreus Green Bay designates the northern southern parts bay as distinct stocks, with little mixing between fisheries, assumes that both primarily spawn tributaries opposed shoreline or offshore reef areas. We used acoustic telemetry test this Bay. Telemetry indicated majority use spawning. However, many individuals were assigned open-water spawning locations during consecutive years (26%) (21%) Bay, suggesting spawners may represent larger proportion than previously thought. Differential movement was observed portions 56% tagged crossing receiver lines move south compared only 19% north. typically transitioned across these boundaries summer fall, stock contributions each zone differ seasonally. movements be influenced by broad-scale differences habitat prey availability, which are likely related differential effects dreissenid mussel invasion Our results suggest adjustment monitoring efforts account provide more complete picture status. Additionally, research examining potential food web moving into needed determine might influence other important species.