Can growth be used as a surrogate measure of walleye (Sander vitreus) abundance change?

Abstract

We examined several models to determine the relative contributions of density-dependent and density-independent factors on walleye (Sander vitreus) growth in the ceded territory of Wisconsin from 1990 to 1999. We then used independent data from 2000 to determine how well each model predicted walleye growth and examined several models to determine if growth could be used to predict density. Adult density best predicted the mean size of age-3 males ( [Formula: see text]3m) and age-5 females ( [Formula: see text]5f). Density-independent measures of pH, the morphoedaphic index, maximum depth, and conductance had a positive influence on growth, while adult density negatively affected growth. The solely density-dependent models predicted [Formula: see text]3m and [Formula: see text]5f poorly in 2000. The addition of density-independent factors improved model predictions of [Formula: see text]3m and [Formula: see text]5f. Walleye growth did not predict adult walleye densities. Regional patterns in walleye growth were correlated with surrogate measures of lake productivity and to a lesser extent adult density. Density dependence had a relatively weak affect on growth patterns, suggesting that growth cannot be used as a surrogate method for monitoring abundance change.