The MN DNR released the Knapp study, (Special Reports #166), that concludes:

 

               "Though muskellunge stocking doesn't appear to have a pervasive effect on fish communities, there were 16 significant increases and 9 significant declines for some species in individual lakes associated with muskellunge introduction.. Even so, these changes do not imply a benefit or harm to the fishery. Unfortunately, there are not enough data for some of these lakes to determine whether muskellunge stocking was the cause of the increase or decrease, or if the observed changes are spuriously correlated with the introduction of muskellunge." - Knapp study - page 17.

 

Then on Aug 26 , 2010 the DNR issues a press release that says:

 

               "If musky stocking resulted in a negative impact on other fish populations, we would have seen a pattern emerge...but that didn't happen."  - DNR Press Release -

 

So what is it? DNR Fisheries, "not enough data", or the results "do not imply a benefit or a harm."

Or is it your press release, that says something completely different?

-Commentary-

One has to ask why walleye numbers went up "significantly" post musky stocking. Some believe this is because the DNR increases walleye stocking after introducing muskies. This is possible and an important consideration yet the Knapp study did not even address this factor and further states, "though we did not separate the effects of muskellunge from changes in walleye stocking strategies, our data illustrate walleye populations can be maintained or improved in the presence of muskellunge." - Knapp study - page 18. This wreaks of biased opinion not based on "data" and it actually is contrary to the data that show declines in fish numbers post stocking. It also shows how weak the Knapp conclusions are,  because to study the interplay between these two species  would require them to give data as to walleye stocking increases that occurred after the musky introductions. This would tip their hand as to the true cost of the musky stocking and likely agitate the majority of anglers that fish walleye.

 

The actual full Knapp study is posted here for you to read, BUT it is the RAW DATA and numbers in the PRE and POST musky stocking that you should examine carefully. WE have those tables for you to read and to verify that walleye, pike and crappie numbers went down significantly in some of the musky stocked lakes.

 

Read the tables in the PRE and POST stocking columns for the musky lakes. The numbers in those columns are the raw numbers of fish caught in overnight gill net sets. Look  at the significant increases up and down and make your own conclusions. We have placed plus and negative signs for the significant increases and decreases. Ask yourself if these decreases are something to be concerned about? If we conclude they mean nothing, as the DNR says, then are we not playing Russian Roulette with our lakes?

Read the Raw Numbers... READ the RAW DATA

 

The MN DNR also states in their MUSKY STOCKING FAQ, that - "Each of these lakes has been proposed for muskie management because they are able to grow trophy-sized muskellunge (48-inches or larger) without any negative consequence to the overall health of existing game fish populations."

Without any NEGATIVE consequence??? Their own Knapp-study results say

that 16 lakes surveyed had significant increases and 9 lakes had significant declines

in some species after Musky stocking.

 So, nine lakes in their Knapp-study had significant declines,

Our Conclusion: That would be 9 negative consequences.

Especially if you lived or fished on one of those nine lakes.

RUSSIAN ROULETTE: ...not a very fun game for the losers.

 

 

HERE IT IS - THE 2010 MN DNR MUSKY STOCKING SURVEY

 

This link will take you directly to the MN DNR WEBSITE

so that you may complete your survey,

and is also your chance to have your comments entered into the record.

 

If you have not yet read this entire page we would encourage you to do so.

 

Provide Your Input

 

Provide your input to the process by completing the muskie stocking survey. click here