Michigan wildlife officials say the state is resuming large-scale hatching of new walleyes as it forges ahead with an effective treatment against a fish virus. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment plans to take about 50 million eggs this spring for pond-rearing and direct stocking — an eight-fold increase over the last two years.
Michigan has been cutting back most of its walleye propagation efforts since 2006 as a defense against the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, into inland waters. After several years of testing, however, department officials now say they have found a technique to disinfect walleye eggs and prevent the spread of the virus.
Officials expect that it will take two years to return to full walleye production.
