Whitlock-Vibert Boxes Help Conservation Efforts

The patented WVB is only available through Fly Fishers International. They are available for purchase to fisheries professionals, cooperating organizations and individuals as a tool to enhance fish stocks in the wild through egg planting. Whitlock-Vibert Boxes are also used for research purposes, including sediment studies, and for educational purposes like classroom presentations.

Whitlock-Vibert Box

How the Egg Plant Box Works

For Egg Planting:

The top try of the box is filled with fertilized eggs. The box is then planted in a stream. The eggs develop and hatch within the top chamber of the box. Once the sac fry have hatched, they can slip through the slots of the top chamber to the bottom nursery chamber. Within the nursery chamber, the sac fry absorb their yolk sac, start to swim, and eventually leave the chamber through the box’s outer slots. The slots surrounding the egg chamber are 3.5 x 13 mm on the top and bottom, and 2 x 2 mm on the sides.

Please refer to the to the complete Whitlock-Vibert Box user’s manual for further details. Click here to view the manual.

Sediment Studies

In 1988, a group of researchers from the University of Wyoming discovered that modified Whitlock-Vibert boxes (WVB) were effective tools for sediment studies. Modified WVB have proved to be an inexpensive and convenient alternative to traditional methods and many researchers have adopted the protocol ¹. Below is a roughly summarized account of the protocol:

• Remove the inner panel (egg tray) from the WVB
• Fill the box with clean gravel 12-25 mm in diameter.
• Cover the bottom of the box with a strip of duct tape to prevent the loss of trapped fine sediment through the bottom.
• Plant WVB flush with the streambed surface. Planting the box above or below the streambed surface will drastically change the results.
• After the appropriate length of time, remove the box and place it in a plastic bag, being careful not to spill any of the sediment contents.
• Dry the box contents and dry sieve them.
   

When these procedures are followed, results have been found to be comparable to those of a McNeil core sample.

How to Order Whitlock-Vibert Boxes

Sales of the Whitlock-Vibert Boxes support the conservation efforts of Fly Fishers International. We appreciate your support and your work in the field to ensure future generations have the opportunity to enjoy our  natural habitats. Please use the link below to access the order form and note that appropriate govermental agency approval will be required.

      Whitlock-Vibert Box Order Form (fillable PDF, save & e-mail)  Please note: you must download the form to your device to be able to use the fillable fields.

       Whitlock-Vibert Box Order Form (non-fillable PDF, Print & Mail or Fax)

Questions About the WVB

Please direct your questions to Nikki Loy by calling 406-222-9369 X 3 or e-mail at casting@flyfishersinternational.org.