Effect of Fin Clipping on Overwinter Growth and Survival of Age-0 Walleyes

Abstract

We tested whether a pelvic fin clip influenced the overwinter survival and growth rate of age-0 walleyes Stizostedion vitreum reared in the presence or absence of predators (adult walleyes or burbot Lota lota) in 0.3-ha artificial ponds located in eastern Ontario. Survival and growth differed significantly between the two years of the study, and growth was reduced in the presence of predators in one year, but neither survival nor growth differed significantly between clipped and unclipped fish. Our results indicate that, unless detrimental effects occur after the first year of life, fin clipping is a safe and valuable tool for the identification of hatchery-reared walleye fingerlings.