Where is a significant portion of commercially available walleye, especially that shipped across borders, typically sourced from?
Wild fisheries, often in Canada
A major driver behind the high cost of walleye, especially when it appears in grocery chains far removed from prime fishing locations, is its origin. Much of the stock that enters the broader food distribution system, particularly that which crosses international boundaries, is wild-caught, with Canada frequently cited as a primary source. This necessitates a complex, long-haul supply chain. The logistical challenges involve tracking the perishable product from remote Canadian lakes, through distribution centers, and ultimately to retailers hundreds or thousands of miles away. Maintaining the quality and freshness of this perishable wild good over such long distances dramatically increases the overhead compared to products that might be farmed and sourced locally.
