The Feasibility for Marketing and Culturing Walleyes in Minnesota

Abstract

In May 1987, Minnesota Power and the UMD/NRRI Business Group discussed the need to determine the market potential for commercial walleye production in the State of Minnesota. Subsequently, the UMD/NRRI Business Group agreed to establish the feasibility of a Minnesota based walleye culture business assessing current cultural practices and to determine the value of utilizing warm water in such an operation. In order to establish a base line operation, the walleye market and cultural requirements for walleye were examined. Walleye are sold as table fish for human consumption or as fry and fingerlings for stocking. Table walleye are harvested from natural lakes with 90% imported from Canada. Stocking walleye are raised in Minnesota using extensive culture methods, but the profitability of a business based on extensive culture is questionable because production costs and survival rates are uncertain. Experimental research suggests an intensive walleye operation utilizing warm water may improve the survival and growth rates, thus increasing the profit potential. Intensely culturing walleye in a warm water research facility could establish survival rates, growth rates, and production costs which can improve the predictability of profits for an intensive walleye operation.