Tuesday, May 14, 2013

The Kolden Report: Walleye Milking, Fort Peck Camping, Part Three, May 14, 2013


Hello, kids!
 

 
We came upon this conglomeration and realized that something very special was underway.
 

 
We had happened on to a walleye spawning operation!
 

 
Holding pens for fish.
 

 
I stuck my head in the door.
 

 
When I saw what was going on, I could not restrain myself!  I just went on in and started taking pictures...
 

 
A steady stream of walleye eggs were being expressed, under timed circumstances.
 

 
Each female was quickly milked and returned to the wilds.
 


 
The folks in the first barge invited me to investigate the fertilization barge.
 

 
Eggs, being agitated with feathers.
 

 
Previously frozen and now oxygenated sperm is added to the fresh eggs as is water for activation and the concoction is stirred with feathers for a specific amount of time.
 

 
Diatomaceous earth slurry is added to prevent clumping.
 

 
Tapioca?
 

 
The eggs are then moved to these wooden, screened bottom boxes where they are swished gently in the fresh water until time for transport. 
 

 
The boxes float freely, when not being swished.
 

 
Eggs, eggs, eggs!
 
I was told they will be put in "jars"  at the fish hatchery, where they will be kept until the eggs "eye up".  Interesting! 
 
Thanks to all the folks who took the time to explain the process to me and also to the volunteers who help make this event a reality. 
 
Coming up next:  the road less traveled. 
 
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The first step in the acquisition of wisdom is silence, the second listening, the third memory, the fourth practice, the fifth teaching others. -Solomon Ibn Gabriol
 
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