To the editor: The following is a request for the Ohio DNR to consider the installation of a fish hatchery for walleye on the western end of Lake Erie on the Maumee River at Fort Meigs area or Maumee Bay State Park.
 
As an avid fisherman and member of two local fishing clubs, I do follow all the fishing reports. My observation of the spring walleye fishing on the Maumee River is a major concern for me. The issue of fish kill has been a major concern for years.
 
The blame has been put entirely on First Energy. I don’t understand on how a 20-foot intake channel draws more concern than a 300-foot wide Maumee River where an estimated 60,000 sport fishermen walking over fish span is OK. I have reviewed several pictures and articles on the sport fisherman and the spring walleye run. The fishermen line the shore on both sides of the river from Maumee to way past Buttonwood shoulder seven days a week through the entire span cycle.
 
I don’t understand why the three other states on Lake Erie – Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York, along with Ontario, Canada, all have a no-fish regulation for walleye during span season and Ohio does not.
 

I do not accept the discussion of the Ohio DNR justification for spring fishing and again wish they reconsider the issue of a fish hatchery. I believe it would cover all the fish kill on the river by both First Energy and the sport fishermen.
 
Simple facts about walleye span and maturity:
 
• Males 3 years old are approximately 15 inches and 1-1/2 pounds.
 
• Females 5 years old are approximately 19 inches and 2-1/2 pounds.
 
• Growth is based on weather and available food sources. Only about 40 percent of eggs laid ever hatch. Only about 40 percent of the hatch will survive the first year and less than 10 percent will make three years.
 
• Of the millions of eggs laid, less than half are ever fertilized.
 
Another concern in the near future is the Asian carp, which will affect the food chain for the walleye. The hatchery could be a wise choice.
 
To stop the spring walleye fishing would be a financial disaster. To hatch more fish can only be a positive approach. More fish means more tourism and cash flow. It will also create more jobs from construction. Fish can also be sold for stocking private lakes and ponds. If released to the wild, the bigger fish would have a better chance for survival.
 
Funding for a project of this type could be by a surcharge on the license for new projects or from federal grants.
 
The design is simple. Concrete basin covered by a solar sun shield and a major wind generator to operate pumps and filters.
 
The eggs would be furnished by the eager sports fishermen during the walleye spring run. Raising fish like this would ensure a faster grow rate in a fraction of the time.
 
In summary, the walleye industry is a multi-million dollar business with great potential. We need to cash in on this renewable source and spend money to make money. Mother Nature can not do it by herself with the growing population impact.

Richard Bachar
Toledo

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed