WALLEYE EGG DEPOSITION AND SURVIVAL ON REEFS IN WESTERN LAKE ERIE (USA)

Variation in egg survival has been suspected to be a major source of w alleye (Stizostedion vitreum) recruitment variability in Lake Erie. We sampled walleye eggs and larvae in western Lake Erie in 1994-95. Dens ities of eggs and larvae were higher in 1994 than 1995. Egg survival f or depths and reefs pooled averaged 37% in 1994 and 13% in 1995. We fo und white perch (Morone americana) to consume large numbers of walleye eggs on reefs in 1995. Mean density of larvae from the date of first hatch through the end of May was 14 times higher in 1994 than 1995. Re latively slow water warming rates and frequent intense winds contribut ed to the low density and survival of eggs on reefs in 1995 by prolong ing incubation periods and increasing the vulnerability of eggs to pre dation and severe wind events.