New Walleye research boat replaces Explorer in Sandusky

A new 55-foot research boat will support western Lake Erie fish surveys from Sandusky, replacing the Explorer at the Sandusky Fisheries Research Station, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced.

The Division of Wildlife christened the vessel, the Walleye, in Sandusky on Oct. 30, according to its Monday announcement. The agency uses research boats to gather data that help Ohio and other jurisdictions set annual harvest levels for walleye and yellow perch.

The aluminum-hull boat has twin diesel engines, equipment for handling trawls and gill nets, navigation and sonar systems, and covered space for research work. Construction began in 2024 at Andersen Boat Works in Douglas, Michigan, the agency said.

ODNR said the Walleye is more stable and maneuverable than the vessel it replaces and reduces noise and vibration for biologists. The announcement does not give the boat's cost or a date for its first survey.

Research crews monitor fish abundance, growth, age, diet and health through trawl, gill-net and acoustic surveys, according to the agency.