Net Pen Collaborators Meeting€¦ · 26/06/2019 · Kewaunee Net Pen 2015 • 7 floating...

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT……………………..….. we make fishing better

Net Pen Collaborators MeetingJune 26, 2019

1) Gills Rock2) Marinette3) Algoma4) Kewaunee5) Port Washington6) Milwaukee7) Racine8) Kenosha (pond)


QuestionnaireNet Pen Feedback Questionnaire

Prepared for Wed June 26, 2019 Net Pen Collaborators Meeting

Feedback provided by (name): _________________________

Group/club affiliation: _________________________

Name of net pen port: _________________________ What are some highlights, implemented improvements, or challenges overcome with your pens, that other groups could learn or benefit from? Are there any ongoing challenges or concerns with your pens, and ideas for resolution? From each groups perspective, is there anything DNR could do differently to help facilitate net pens? Is there anything your group could do differently to help facilitate net pens? Does your group use the Google calendar for schedulded stocking dates? If so, is it helpful? Does your group prefer changing or expanding net pen projects now (e.g., holding for longer than two weeks), or waiting for study results to help guide future decisions? Is your group interested in holding fish longer than two weeks if temp, DO, and rearing capacity are adequate (some groups have expressed interest, but does everyone want to do this?)? If greater pen capacity is needed to accommodate possibly holding fish longer, what is each group’s interest and ability to build additional pens (pros and cons)? Any other ideas, thoughts, or suggestions? What has worked well? What could be improved? (space for additional feedback provided on back side of this page…)

Nick LeglerFisheries Biologist – WI DNR110 S Neenah AvenueSturgeon Bay WI, 54235Phone: (920) [email protected]

• Gather feedback• Questionnaire &

discussion• Net pens several years,

now etc.


Net Pen Discussion Outline1. DNR Presentation

a) history, collaborations, guidanceb) Temp / D.O. monitoring recordsc) CWT studyd) 3 weeks, net designse) rearing density by Jesse

2. Group Introductionsa) name, pen location, & affiliationb) Initial comments or feedback (optional)

3. Group discussions & feedback


Initial Net Pens in WI, Lake MI

Kewaunee 2013 (6 year ago)

Milwaukee

Marinette

2013 & earlier: A facility which rears fish must be licensed as a fish farm (Chapter ATCP 10.61)Since (2014 & on…): Law changed, can use net pens with feeding for stocking/fish management, with permit & cooperative agreement


Summary of Recent (2019) Net Pens with Feeding ≤ 2 Weeks

Location Dates Species NumberMarinette May 8-22 Chinook 14,425Gills Rock May 2-16 Chinook 16,682Algoma April 22-May 6 Chinook 24,007Kewaunee April 19-May 3 Chinook 24,000Port Washington April 29-May 8,13 Chinook 45,318Racine April 24-May 8 Chinook 42,079Kenosha (pond) April 23-May 7 Chinook 40,062


Summary of Recent (2019) Acclimation Pens without Feeding ≤36 hrs.

Location (4) Dates Species (4) NumberGills Rock May 2 Chinooks 16,682Port Washington March 12 Arlee 13,128Port Washington March 14;

March 20Coho 16,973;

6,245Port Washington March 18 Browns 11,193Port Washington May 9 Chinooks 47,084Milwaukee April 29-30 Chinooks 89,847Racine March 28 Browns 18,736Racine March 28 Coho 11,718


Collaborations & RolesPeople, Clubs, & Agency Depts.

Port WashingtonSport FishingGroups & Clubs• Building Pens• Monitoring• Feeding• Releasing• Enthusiasm!

DNR Fish Hatcheries• Provide fish• Provide food• Expertise!• Guidance on

feeding, capacity, etc.• Jesse

DNR Water Regs Staff• Net pen

permitting

Riparian Owners & Marinas• Land / access to

place & use pens

DNR Fish Management• Middle man• Day to day contact & ?• Fish sampling & logistics• Nick, Tammie, Aaron


Gills Rock Chinook Net Pens ‐ 2015

Commercial Fishermen

Charter Anglers

DNR

• 10,000 Chinooks (1/3 quota) held & fed (May 13‐27)• 20,000 Chinooks (2/3 quota) held until dark


Guiding DocumentsMarinette

1. Laws, Water Regs, Permits

2. WDNR Fisheries Management Work Plan

3. Cooperative Agreement


GENERAL PERMIT TO PLACE NET PEN STRUCTURES INGREAT LAKES WATER BODIES AND THEIR TRIBUTARIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF HOLDING OR REARING FISH FOR

NONCOMMERCIAL PURPOSES

• Several criteria & requirements (starting 2014)– https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/outreach/netpe

ns.html

• 5 year duration– check expiration dates!– apply for several locations (e.g., Algoma,

Kewaunee)!


Net Pen Placement Considerations• General Permit:

– net pen(s) must allow an area for boating traffic & open water navigation at least 150 ft. wide between the waterward side of the net pen(s) and the opposite shore’s line of navigation (3 ft. water depth as defined in Wis. Admin. Code s. NR 326.03(4).

– no net pens within a federally designated channel– pens must be placed at least 100 feet away from a bridge, designated

swimming area, etc.

• WDNR Fisheries Management Work Plan / Guidance:– accessibility for the hatchery truck– decent but not excessive water flow to help with dissolved oxygen, water temps,

& disposal of waste / uneaten food– water clearance under and around the pen (ideally 3 feet)


New Algoma Net Pen (2018)

Algoma 2018; Photo courtesy of Ryan Baker.


Net Placement Considerations –New Algoma Net Pen (2018)

Net Placement Considerations – New Algoma Net Pen (2018)


Kewaunee Net Pen Site 4/16/2018

Kewaunee 2018; Photo courtesy of Ryan Baker.


New Kewaunee Net Pen (2019)Kewaunee


Guiding DocumentsMarinette

1. Laws, Water Regs, Permits

2. WDNR Fisheries Management Work Plan

3. Cooperative Agreement


WDNR Fisheries Management Work Plan & Cooperative Agreement

• Monitoring & Record Keeping• temperature• dissolved oxygen• amount of feed• mortalities• signs of stress• conditions of the pen

Initial (2014, 2015) Summary of Action Levels:

• If the water temperature goes above 60F, the cooperator must contact the local fisheries biologist and prepare to release the fish. When water temperatures reach 60F, the Cooperator must coordinate with the local fisheries biologist and the fish health professional to schedule a time to sample the fish prior to release.

• If water temperature goes above 65F the fish must be released within 16 hours of that event.”

• Water temp above 60oF = concerned• Water temp above 65oF = very concerned• Dissolved oxygen below 7 mg/L• Signs of stress (lethargy, unusual color, erratic swimming behavior,

flashing, piping, crowding areas, spreading out evenly, riding high in the water)

Details for Temp & DO Action Levels:


Temperature Criteria (i.e., 2016 on)

• “If the water temperature at the time of stocking or during the time the fish are in the net pens goes above 60F the cooperator must immediately notify the Department AND must prepare to release the fish. The fish must be released within 18 hours of that event.”

2015


Temperature Monitoring Results

1) Gills Rock2) Marinette3) Algoma4) Kewaunee5) Port Washington6) Milwaukee (≤36 hrs.)7) Racine8) Kenosha (pond)


Temperature Monitoring ResultsGills Rock (2015-2019)

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

5/11/2015 5/16/2015 5/21/2015 5/26/2015 5/31/2015

Gills Rock 2015

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/30/2016 5/5/2016 5/10/2016 5/15/2016 5/20/2016

Gills Rock 2016

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/30/2017 5/5/2017 5/10/2017 5/15/2017 5/20/2017

Gills Rock 2017

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/30/2018 5/5/2018 5/10/2018 5/15/2018 5/20/2018

Gills Rock 2018

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/30/2019 5/5/2019 5/10/2019 5/15/2019

Gills Rock 2019

Overview:• Increasing trends• Cool, below 60F• Warmest = 55.0

May 25, 2015

Tem

pera

ture

(F)

Date


Hwy 42

Net Pen Location

• Located in northern Door County• The site property address is

12695 State Hwy 42• By Weborg's commercial fishing dock• Local volunteer contact is:

Don Grasse (920‐421‐1510)• Local DNR contact is:

Nick Legler (920‐559‐0767)

Pen Location

Gills Rock Pen Stocking – Spring 2016

Gills Rock – Unique Pen Site (no river)


Temperature Monitoring ResultsMenominee River (2014-2019)

Tem

pera

ture

(F)

Date

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/21/2014 5/1/2014 5/11/2014 5/21/2014

Menominee River 2014

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/26/2015 5/1/2015 5/6/2015 5/11/2015


35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/30/2016 5/5/2016 5/10/2016 5/15/2016


35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/30/2017 5/5/2017 5/10/2017 5/15/2017


35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/30/2018 5/5/2018 5/10/2018 5/15/2018


35

40

45

50

55

60

65

5/5/2019 5/10/2019 5/15/2019 5/20/2019 5/25/2019



Temperature Monitoring ResultsAlgoma (2018-2019)

Tem

pera

ture

(F)

Date

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/20/2018 4/25/2018 4/30/2018 5/5/2018 5/10/2018

Algoma 2018

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/20/2019 4/25/2019 4/30/2019 5/5/2019 5/10/2019

Algoma 2019

59.2 59.8

Still need to get & enter this data


Temperature Monitoring ResultsKewaunee (2014-2019)

Tem

pera

ture

(F)

Date

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/21/20144/26/20145/1/20145/6/20145/11/20145/16/2014

Kewaunee 2014

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

5/1/2015 5/6/2015 5/11/2015 5/16/2015 5/21/2015

Kewaunee 2015

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/25/20164/30/2016 5/5/2016 5/10/20165/15/2016

Kewaunee 2016

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/25/20174/30/2017 5/5/2017 5/10/20175/15/2017

Kewaunee 2017

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/15/2018 4/20/2018 4/25/2018 4/30/2018 5/5/2018

Kewaunee 2018

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/15/2019 4/20/2019 4/25/2019 4/30/2019 5/5/2019

Kewaunee 2019

59.5, 60.1, 59.9


Temperature Monitoring ResultsKewaunee (2015)

Tem

pera

ture

(F)

Date

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

5/1/2015 5/6/2015 5/11/2015 5/16/2015 5/21/2015

• Water Temps Higher than Ideal– Low 60’s first week, peaked 64.9F– High 50’s second week (& good DO)

• Past Net Pen Policy– 60 F = prepare to release the fish– 65 F = released fish within 16 hours


Kewaunee Net Pen 2015

• 7 floating mortalities (May 17‐18)• 13 floating mortalities (May 19)• 51 dead or sick fish (May 20)

– 10 floating mortalities– 29 underwater/sunk mortalities– 12 live but sick

• ≥ 71 Total Mortalities


• Chinooks with visible tail/fin rot (n = 12) tested positive for Flavobacterium columnare and motile Aeromonas spp.

• The adipose fin clip was healed on all, but one of the fish, including the apparently healthy CHS (n = 10) and did not appear to be the route of infection.

• All fish had moderate mesenteric fat, and thus must have been feeding well overall.

Fish Health Results (2015)


Conclusions from Fish Health Staff

• Columnaris infections are common in spring when water temps increase above 60 F

• Additional Factors for Net Pens– Younger fish are more susceptible– Crowding stress– Dead fish at bottom of pen shed bacteria– Poor water quality (e.g., increased particulates after rain)

Net Pen Strawberry Creek

Wild Rose

Photo courtse of Paul Schwengel, Gills Rock, 5/12/2019.

DNR Strawberry Creek Rearing Pond 2019


Temperature Monitoring ResultsPort Washington (2015-2019)

Tem

pera

ture

(F)

Date

35.00

40.00

45.00

50.00

55.00

60.00

65.00

4/25/2019 4/30/2019 5/5/2019 5/10/2019 5/15/2019

Port Washington 2019

35.00

40.00

45.00

50.00

55.00

60.00

65.00

4/30/2018 5/5/2018 5/10/2018 5/15/2018 5/20/2018


35.0

40.0

45.0

50.0

55.0

60.0

65.0

5/1/2017 5/3/2017 5/5/2017 5/7/2017 5/9/2017 5/11/2017 5/13/2017


30.0

35.0

40.0

45.0

50.0

55.0

60.0

65.0

4/15/2016 4/20/2016 4/25/2016 4/30/2016 5/5/2016


30.0

35.0

40.0

45.0

50.0

55.0

60.0

65.0

4/16/2015 4/21/2015 4/26/2015 5/1/2015 5/6/2015

Port Washington 2015Overview:• Relatively cool• Never above 60F• Highest was 56.3F

on May 13, 2019

Cold? Cold?


Port Washington Temperatures Net Pen Location

Sauk Creek

Lake Michigan


Temperature Monitoring ResultsRacine (2015-2019)

Tem

pera

ture

(F)

Date

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/26/2015 5/1/2015 5/6/2015 5/11/2015

Racine 2015

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/25/2016 4/30/2016 5/5/2016 5/10/2016 5/15/2016

Racine 2016

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/25/2017 4/30/2017 5/5/2017 5/10/2017 5/15/2017

Racine 2017

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/15/2018 4/20/2018 4/25/2018 4/30/2018 5/5/2018

Racine 2018

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

4/20/2019 4/25/2019 4/30/2019 5/5/2019 5/10/2019

Racine 2019

2015 – last 3 days about 58.1-63.5 F

2016 – reached 60 once

2017 – started at 60, but decreased


Temperature Monitoring ResultsKenosha (pond; 2019)

Tem

pera

ture

(F)

Date

35.0

40.0

45.0

50.0

55.0

60.0

65.0

4/19/2019 4/21/2019 4/23/2019 4/25/2019 4/27/2019 4/29/2019 5/1/2019 5/3/2019 5/5/2019 5/7/2019

Kenosha 2019

Overview:• Fairly constant temp• Average 57.0F• Never quite at 60F• 59.0-59.9 (N= 9)


Dissolved Oxygen (>7mg/l)


Dissolved Oxygen MonitoringGills Rock (2015-2019)

Dis

solv

ed O

xyge

n (m

g/l)

Date

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

5/11/2015 5/16/2015 5/21/2015 5/26/2015 5/31/2015

Gills Rock 2015

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

4/30/2016 5/5/2016 5/10/2016 5/15/2016 5/20/2016

Gills Rock 2016

02

468

101214

16

4/30/2017 5/5/2017 5/10/2017 5/15/2017 5/20/2017

Gills Rock 2017

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

4/30/2017 5/5/2017 5/10/2017 5/15/2017 5/20/2017

Gills Rock 20180

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

4/30/2019 5/5/2019 5/10/2019 5/15/2019

Gills Rock 2019

Overview:• Good D.O.• Always above 7

mg/l• Lowest = 9.93

mg/l on 5/5/2019


Dissolved Oxygen MonitoringMenominee River (2014-2019)

Dis

solv

ed O

xyge

n (m

g/l)

Date

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

4/21/2014 4/26/2014 5/1/2014 5/6/2014 5/11/2014 5/16/2014


2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

4/26/2015 5/1/2015 5/6/2015 5/11/2015


2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

5/2/2016 5/4/2016 5/6/2016 5/8/2016 5/10/2016 5/12/2016


0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

4/30/2017 5/5/2017 5/10/2017 5/15/2017


2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

4/30/2018 5/5/2018 5/10/2018 5/15/2018


2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

5/5/2019 5/10/2019 5/15/2019 5/20/2019 5/25/2019



Dissolved Oxygen MonitoringAlgoma (2018-2019)

Dis

solv

ed O

xyge

n (m

g/l)

Date

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

4/15/2019 4/20/2019 4/25/2019 4/30/2019 5/5/2019

Algoma 2018

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

4/20/2019 4/25/2019 4/30/2019 5/5/2019 5/10/2019Date

Algoma 2019

Low 6.99

Low 6 & 4.44

Still need to get & enter this data


Dissolved Oxygen MonitoringKewaunee (2014-2019)

Dis

solv

ed O

xyge

n (m

g/l)

Date

02468

10121416

4/21/2014 4/26/2014 5/1/2014 5/6/2014 5/11/2014 5/16/2014

Kewaunee 2014

02468

1012141618

5/1/2015 5/6/2015 5/11/2015 5/16/2015 5/21/2015

Kewaunee 2015

02468

10121416

4/25/2016 4/30/2016 5/5/2016 5/10/2016 5/15/2016

Kewaunee 2016

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

4/25/2017 4/30/2017 5/5/2017 5/10/2017 5/15/2017

Kewaunee 2017

02468

10121416

4/15/2018 4/20/2018 4/25/2018 4/30/2018 5/5/2018

Kewaunee 2018

02468

10121416

4/15/2019 4/20/2019 4/25/2019 4/30/2019 5/5/2019

Kewaunee 2019

Low 7.83 Low 7.68

Low 6.99


02468

10121416

4/25/2019 4/30/2019 5/5/2019 5/10/2019 5/15/2019


Dissolved Oxygen MonitoringPort Washington (2015-2019)

Dis

solv

ed O

xyge

n (m

g/l)

Date

02468

10121416

4/16/2015 4/21/2015 4/26/2015 5/1/2015 5/6/2015


0.002.004.006.008.00

10.0012.0014.0016.00

5/1/20175/3/20175/5/20175/7/20175/9/20175/11/20175/13/2017

Port Washington 20170.002.004.006.008.00

10.0012.0014.0016.00

4/30/2018 5/5/2018 5/10/2018 5/15/2018 5/20/2018


02468

10121416

4/15/2016 4/20/2016 4/25/2016 4/30/2016 5/5/2016



Dissolved Oxygen MonitoringRacine (2015-2019)D

isso

lved

Oxy

gen

(mg/

l)

Date

0.002.004.006.008.00

10.0012.0014.0016.00

4/20/2019 4/25/2019 4/30/2019 5/5/2019 5/10/2019

Racine 2019

0.002.004.006.008.00

10.0012.0014.0016.00

4/16/20184/18/20184/20/20184/22/20184/24/20184/26/20184/28/20184/30/20185/2/2018

Racine 2018

0.002.004.006.008.00

10.0012.0014.0016.00

4/25/2017 4/30/2017 5/5/2017 5/10/2017 5/15/2017

Racine 2017

0.002.004.006.008.00

10.0012.0014.0016.00

4/25/2016 4/30/2016 5/5/2016 5/10/2016 5/15/2016

Racine 2016

0.002.004.006.008.00

10.0012.0014.0016.00

4/28/20154/30/20155/2/20155/4/20155/6/20155/8/20155/10/2015

Racine 2015

Last day DO below 7


Dissolved Oxygen MonitoringKenosha (2019)

Dis

solv

ed O

xyge

n (m

g/l)

Date

0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

14.00

16.00

4/20/2019 4/25/2019 4/30/2019 5/5/2019 5/10/2019Date

Kenosha 2019

Overview:• Relatively stable DO• 8.46 min• 9.97 max• 9.19 avg


Kewaunee May 14, 2014

Summary for Temp / DO:1) Temperature has mostly been ok,

but was high for some years & locations (>60F)2) Dissolved oxygen has routinely been good (>7 mg /l)3) Next up…are net pens effective & are they having a

positive impact?

4) Simple answer…


Overall intent = very positive, & we’re all hopeful for positive results!

• Intent:– Improve survival & performance of stocked fish

• Why pens might improve survival?– Acclimation, growth, night release, deep water

release

• Why pens might improve performance?– Imprinting & fall returns


Other state have tried net pens, & very generally…

• The results have been mixed• Including:

– improved survival & returns– neutral– negative results

Stocking of Chinook salmon from Net Pens in Lake Superior (2005‐2007)

Peter M. StevensLake Superior Fisheries Unit2013 Statewide Meeting

February 28, 2013

• Clipped chinook did not return at a high enough rate to allow any meaningful analysis

• Two possible interpretations:– Inconclusive– Net pens not significantly better than traditional stocking

Stocking of Chinook salmon from Net Pens in Lake Superior (2005‐2007)


What about ‘our’ Chinooks & net pens in Wisconsin waters

of Lake Michigan?

How are we doing?


Recoveries per 100,000 Fish Stocked – Stocking District

2011 year class 2013 year class2012 year classCan net pens in WI make an already good thing better?


Net Pen Study Preliminary Results(2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 CWT Kewaunee & Root)


2016

1 year olds / jacks (2015 year class)

Sampling Year (cont.…2020, 2021)

2017

1 year old / jacks (2016 year class)

2 year olds (2015 year class)

2018

1 year old / jacks (2 017 year class)







2019

Net Pen Study Preliminary Results(2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 CWT Kewaunee & Root)


CWT Lot Codes for 2015 & 2016

Direct Stocked Kewaunee & Ahnapee Rivers

Direct Stocked Root River, Kenosha Harbor & Pike Rivers

Racine

Kenosha

Singe CWT Lot Each Year

Singe CWT Lot Each Year


CWT Lot Codes for 2015 & 2016

Root & Kewaunee RiverNet Pens (grouped/one CWT#)

Direct Stocked Kewaunee & Ahnapee Rivers

Direct Stocked Root River, Kenosha Harbor & Pike Rivers


CWT Lot Codes for 2017 (numbers below) & 2018

Kewaunee River Net Pen (23,000)

Root River Direct (51,028**)Root River Net Pen (31,300)

Kewaunee River Direct (22,894)

**43,561 ADCWT & 7,461 AD only


• Caveats / considerations:1. Straying may bias the results, likely to favor

direct stoked fish (2015 & 2016 year classes)2. Didn’t account for tag loss, yet…3. Didn’t look for statistical differences yet,

just plain data4. USFWS data analysist is likely to help with a

more thorough evaluation...5. Anticipate a lot more return data in the

coming 3 years…

Preliminary Results – Kewaunee River


2016

1 year olds / jacks (2015 year class)

2017

1 year old / jacks ( 2016 year class)


2018








2019

• Overall mixed results so far• Very preliminary• Some of the best opportunities for sampling are

still upcoming the next 3 years• Angler recoveries too…

Sampling Year (cont.…2020, 2021)


Length / Weight Gills Rock 2015


Gills Rock Net PenW

eigh

t (gr

ams)

Length (mm)

02468

1012141618

70 80 90 100 110 120

2015

05/13/201505/27/2015

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

60 70 80 90 100

2016

05/03/201605/17/2016

0123456789

10

70 80 90 100

2018

05/02/201805/16/2018

Weight/length data summary by

Jacob Steckmesser, DNR fisheries technician.




Menominee River Net PenW

eigh

t (gr

ams)

Length (mm)

0123456789

10

60 70 80 90 100 110

2015

04/27/201505/07/2015

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

50 60 70 80 90

2016

05/03/201605/10/2016

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

60 80 100 120

2017

05/01/201705/14/2017

02468

10121416

60 80 100 120

2018

05/03/201805/14/2018

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

70 80 90 100 110

2019

05/08/201905/21/2019




Algoma Net PenW

eigh

t (gr

ams)

Length (mm)

0123456789

10

70 80 90 100 110

Algoma 2018

04/23/2018

05/04/2018






Kewaunee Net PenW

eigh

t (gr

ams)

Length (mm)

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

50 70 90 110 130

2014

04/24/201405/14/2014

02468

10121416

60 80 100 120

2015

05/04/201505/13/2015

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

70 80 90 100 110

2016

04/27/201605/10/2016

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

70 80 90 100 110

2017

04/25/201705/09/2017

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

70 80 90 100 110

2018

04/20/201805/04/2018




Port Washington Net PenW

eigh

t (gr

ams)

Length (mm)

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

70 80 90 100 110

2015

04/21/201505/05/2015

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

60 70 80 90 100

2016

04/19/201605/02/2016

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

60 70 80 90 100 110

2017

05/02/201705/16/2017

02468

10121416

70 80 90 100 110 120

2018

05/01/201805/15/2018




Racine Net PenW

eigh

t (gr

ams)

Length (mm)

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

50 60 70 80 90 100

2015

04/28/201505/09/2015

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

70 80 90 100 110

2016

04/26/201605/10/2016

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

70 80 90 100 110

2017

04/26/201705/10/2017

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

60 70 80 90 100 110

2018

04/17/201805/01/2018




Kenosha PondW

eigh

t (gr

ams)

Length (mm)

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

60 70 80 90 100 110

2015

04/21/201505/04/2015

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

60 70 80 90 100 110

2016

04/27/201605/09/2016

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

50 70 90 110

2017

05/01/201705/15/2017

02468

10121416

60 80 100 120

2018

04/26/201805/10/2018

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

70 80 90 100 110 120

2019

04/23/201905/07/2019



0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120Length (mm)

Kewaunee River April 24

Kewaunee RiverMay 14

Strawberry CreekMay 16

Wild Rose HatcheryMay 16

Older Data From Kewaunee Net Pen Comparing Net Pen vs. Strawberry Creek vs. Wild Rose Hatchery


Overall fish gook good, & in many cases some growth.

Gills Rock 2015


Net Pen Discussion Outline1. I'm almost done here, but before we

get to Jesse & the discussion…a) holding fish an extra weekb) net pen designs

2. Introductions1. Name, pen location, & affiliation2. Initial comments or feedback (optional)



• Two week rearing period– Rearing density (grow into capacity, up to

50%)– Temp, DO, allotted food, etc.

• Some groups are interred in holding fish for longer (e.g., up to 3 weeks?).– Kewaunee example last year/2018– What does everyone think (pros, cons, &

logistics)?

DNR Guidance & Cooperative Agreement


Pen Density & Availability• Pen Design & Construction

– Rigid frame & flexible netting– Length 15-10 feet X depth 5-6 feet

X width 5-6 feet– Removable pen covers– Freeboard, clearance, etc.

Kewaunee 2013

Gills Rock

Kewaunee 2019 Milwaukee

• Pros & Cons– Less fish vs. more

pens– Pen cost vs.

benefit?– Future study

results, to guide future net pen use?

2019 NET PEN COOPERATORS MEETING

“NET PEN 103”

June 26, 2019Lakeshore Technical College

TRAINING HISTORY

• PREVIOUS TRAINING SESSIONS

• APRIL 14TH, 2015 GREAT LAKES WATER INSTITUTE

• MARCH 16TH, 2016 WILD ROSE HATCHERY

• JUNE 26TH, 2019 LAKESHORE TECH

ESTABLISHED STOCKING THRESHOLDS

• SAFE LOADING DENSITY IS ½ LB. OF FISH PER CUBIC FOOT OF WATER

• GROWTH IS PROJECTED BASED ON CONVERSION RATES AND GROWTH STANDARDS

• ALL OF THE NUMBERS THAT GET STOCKED INTO THE NET PENS ARE PROJECTED FORWARD TO UTILIZE THE MAXIMUM DENSITY OF THE NET PEN AT THE TIME OF RELEASE

• TEMPERATURE THRESHOLD 600F

• OXYGEN THRESHOLD 7MG/L

EXAMPLE NET PEN CALCULATIONS

• FEED RATES ARE SET AS A % OF THE TOTAL WEIGHT OF THE FISH

• EVERY DAY THE FISH ARE EATING THEY ARE GROWING

• ADJUST FEED RATES WEEKLY

• A CONVERSION FACTOR ACCOUNTS FOR THE AMOUNT OF FISH MASS GAINED PER POUND OF FOOD FED

PROJECTING GROWTH

• FISH CONVERSION

• 0.8 CONVERSION FACTOR

• EACH 0.8 LBS. OF FOOD FED YIELDS 1 ADDITIONAL POUND OF FISH.

WEEK 1• 20,000 fish @ 80 fish per pound = 250 lbs.• 250 lbs. fed at 1.5% = 3.75 lbs./day• 3.75 lbs./day x 7 days = 26.25 lbs./week• 26.25 lbs. with a 0.8 conversion ~33 lbs. gained

WEEK 2• Same 20,000 fish = 283 lbs (250+33)• 280 lbs. feed at 1.5% = 4.2 lbs./day• 4.2 lbs./day x 7 days = 29.4 lbs./week• 29.4 lbs. with a 0.8 conversion ~37 lbs. gained

RELEASE TIME• 317 lbs. (~63 fish per pound)

CALCULATING NET PEN CAPACITIESSample Pen size 6’w x 23.5’L x 5’D with 6” of freeboard

• NET PEN HAS 634 FT3 (LESS FREEBOARD)

• @ ½ LB. PER CUBIC FOOT ALLOWS FOR 317 LBS. OF FISH

• PREVIOUS SCENARIO

• 20,000 FISH IN AT 80/LB. FED 1.5% FOR 2 WEEKS

• WHAT IF THE FISH ARE BIGGER?

• 317 LBS. OF CAPACITY

• 20,000 @ 63/LB.

• 19,000 @ 60/LB.

• 17,500 @ 55/LB.

• 15,850 @ 50/LB.


Net Pen Discussion Outline1. DNR Presentation

a) history, collaborations, guidanceb) Temp / D.O. monitoring recordsc) CWT studyd) 3 weeks, net designse) rearing density by Jesse

2. Group Introductionsa) Name, pen location, & affiliationb) Initial comments or feedback (optional)



QuestionnaireNet Pen Feedback Questionnaire

Prepared for Wed June 26, 2019 Net Pen Collaborators Meeting

Feedback provided by (name): _________________________

Group/club affiliation: _________________________

Name of net pen port: _________________________ What are some highlights, implemented improvements, or challenges overcome with your pens, that other groups could learn or benefit from? Are there any ongoing challenges or concerns with your pens, and ideas for resolution? From each groups perspective, is there anything DNR could do differently to help facilitate net pens? Is there anything your group could do differently to help facilitate net pens? Does your group use the Google calendar for schedulded stocking dates? If so, is it helpful? Does your group prefer changing or expanding net pen projects now (e.g., holding for longer than two weeks), or waiting for study results to help guide future decisions? Is your group interested in holding fish longer than two weeks if temp, DO, and rearing capacity are adequate (some groups have expressed interest, but does everyone want to do this?)? If greater pen capacity is needed to accommodate possibly holding fish longer, what is each group’s interest and ability to build additional pens (pros and cons)? Any other ideas, thoughts, or suggestions? What has worked well? What could be improved? (space for additional feedback provided on back side of this page…)

Nick LeglerFisheries Biologist – WI DNR110 S Neenah AvenueSturgeon Bay WI, 54235Phone: (920) [email protected]


6. Does your group prefer changing or expanding net pen projects now (e.g., holding for longer than two weeks), or waiting for study results to help guide future decision

(pros & cons) 7. Is your group interested in holding fish longer than two weeks

if temp, DO, and rearing capacity are adequate (some groups have expressed interest, but does everyone want to do this?)?

(pros & cons) 8. If greater pen capacity is needed to accommodate possibly

holding fish longer, what is each group’s interest and ability to build additional pens (pros and cons)?

(pros & cons)9. Any other ideas, thoughts, or suggestions? What has worked

well? What could be improved?


1. What are some highlights, implemented improvements, or challenges overcome with your pens, that other groups could learn or benefit from?

(e.g., building new pens / designs)2. Are there any ongoing challenges or concerns with your pens,

and ideas for resolution?(e.g., several pen locations listed on new permits)

3. From each groups perspective, is there anything DNR could do differently to help facilitate net pens?

(e.g., Google calendar)4. Is there anything your group could do differently to help

facilitate net pens?(e.g., pen covers & easy access)

5. Does your group use the Google calendar for scheduled stocking dates? If so, is it helpful?


Algoma Net Pen 2018

Algoma 2018; Photo courtesy of Ryan Baker.

Thanks for all of your efforts & feedback!

1) Gills Rock2) Marinette3) Algoma4) Kewaunee5) Port Washington6) Milwaukee7) Racine8) Kenosha (pond)

Discussion & Questions?

Nick Legler, Fisheries BiologistWisconsin Department of Natural Resources110 S Neenah Avenue, Sturgeon Bay WI, 54235920‐746‐[email protected]

Net Pen Collaborators Meeting€¦ · 26/06/2019 · Kewaunee Net Pen 2015 • 7 floating...

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