Comparison of Five Ageing Methodologies Applied to Walleye (Stizostedion Vitreum) in Burt Lake,Michigan

Age estimations were performed on 25 walleyes (Stizostedion Vitreum) from Burt Lake, Michigan, by sectioning pectoral and pelvic fin rays, dorsal fin spines, and otoliths and by impressing scales. Age groups 4 to 11 were found using these methods. Paired t-tests showed no significant differences among all pairs (p > 0.05), except the pelvic fin ray and otolith combination. Variability exists among the age estimations for individual fishes, however, statistically all methods were of equal precision. A subjective merit analysis showed otoliths and pectoral fin rays had the highest rating, while pelvic fin rays had the lowest. In areas of the Great Lakes which have walleye populations that exhibit similar age patterns as Burt Lake walleye, otolith or pectoral fin ray ageing methods should be used as an occasional check for the reliability of scale age estimations.