Webinar - Can Ecological Balance be Threatened by Population Recovery?

Resource Type
Authors
Andrew Paul
Resource Date:
2023

Angling catch rates of Walleyes (Sander vitreus) have increased in the past 20 years following their collapse and then recovery after implementation of restrictive harvest regulations. With increased abundance, some anglers are concerned that Walleyes may negatively affect Northern Pike (Esox Lucius) abundance. To address the question, I looked at net catch data for each species from 352 surveys in 129 lakes across Alberta between 2000 and 2017. Results were equivocal but formal decision analysis indicates additional study is not warranted given an objective of increasing angler catch rates. Concerns raised by stakeholders following species recovery is not uncommon and should be factored into the planning process.