The Future of Salmon and Trout Stocking in Lake Michigan
Five species of salmon and trout support a world-class recreational fishery in Lake Michigan. Stocking has played an important role in maintaining the balance between predators and forage fish, such as the non-native alewife, since the late 1960s. If too many salmon and trout are in the lake, forage fish decline and salmon starve or fall prey to disease. If too few salmon and trout are in the lake, the non-native alewife could foul beaches and affect native species populations.
Ongoing research is being used to investigate the possibility that changes to stocking policy could improve fisheries and limit the risk of predator-prey imbalance. Fisheries managers in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana will set a stocking policy for Lake Michigan salmon and trout by fall of 2012.
LAKE MICHIGAN SALMON STOCKING SURVEY RESULTS
Survey results are now available and are being considered along with biological data and other factors as managers move toward a decision on future stocking policy.
See: Survey Results
Lake Michigan Salmon Stocking Workshop
Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor, Michigan
Saturday, April 14, 2012
This half-day workshop was free and open to the public. Participants learned more about specific options for stocking policy and had the opportunity to speak with fisheries managers about the future of Lake Michigan fisheries. Check out the recorded webinar for more details.
- Lake Michigan Salmon Stocking Strategies Briefing (PDF)
Includes overview of collaborative decision-making process, status of fishery and forage base, and stocking options under consideration.