AUTHORS: Jeremiah Haas, Constellation Dr. David Bergerhouse, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
ABSTRACT: The Quad Cities Nuclear Station has monitored fish populations in Pool 14 as part of its environmental impact monitoring program for electricity generation since 1971. In 1984, the Station established a fish hatchery onsite with operational support from Southern Illinois University. Walleye is a significant species produced at the hatchery. The Station began stocking walleye in Pool 14 in 1985, and later would include Pool 13 at a lower level, all with the goal of observing population increases from low level stocking in such a large system. This presentation will review the Walleye population changes during that period, using the long-term monitoring data and spring hatchery brood stock data. Fishing regulation changes during that time, which could also have impacted the population dynamics of Walleye populations, will be reviewed as well.
