Inland Seas Angler

GREAT LAKES BASIN REPORT

A Publication of the Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council April 2014 http://www.great-lakes.org Vol. 25, No. 4

Private & tribal Wisconsin hatcheries get grants to increase walleye production

MADISON – Six private and three boost walleye fishing by stocking The initiative was funded by the tribal fish hatcheries will get a total of more of the larger walleye in lakes Legislature for two years and $2 million in one-time grants for where natural reproduction isn't provides increased operating funds to projects that will increase their sufficient. The plan, known as the DNR to grow the larger, more capacity to produce larger walleye for Wisconsin Walleye Initiative, is a $12 expensive fish; allows for $8 million stocking in Wisconsin by 470,000 million funding package developed in upgrades at state hatcheries; invests fish per year, state fisheries officials by Gov. Scott Walker and DNR to in expanding capacity at private and say. The hatcheries are receiving boost walleye stocking statewide of tribal hatcheries; and provides money grants from the DNR through the the larger fish known as "extended for DNR to purchase larger walleye Wisconsin Walleye Initiative. growth" walleye. for stocking from private and tribal Grant recipients are required to Such fish, which are 6-8" long, hatcheries. stock walleye produced in their new have been shown to survive at Already, the extra funding the facilities into Wisconsin waters, and significantly higher rates in some initiative provided in 2013 enabled DNR has received $500,000 through settings than the 1.5 to 2-inch fish state hatcheries to produce more than the initiative to buy 1 million of these typically stocked. DNR's stocking four times the typical number of larger fish. Almost 200,000 of these strategy is to stock these larger larger walleye for stocking in fall should be available for stocking this walleye in some walleye waters with 2013. fall from grant recipients whose the hope of restoring naturally The competitive grant program projects will be completed this year, reproducing populations, and in for private and tribal hatcheries with the rest coming as projects are others to increase walleye numbers in required applicants to submit completed through 2018. lakes that will continue to rely on proposals including the number of The grant awards are an stocking to provide fishing Hatchery grants for walleyes important part of Wisconsin's plan to opportunities. Continued on page 10

Legislation would add Asian carp barrier below Great Lakes In this issue…

GLSFC elections...... 2 U.S. Rep. Candice Miller, R-Mich., The separation of the two New MI fishing regs in effect ...... 2 chairwoman of the Congressional watersheds carries an estimated price NY saltwater anglers to sign up ...... 3 Boating Caucus, recently introduced tag of at least $15 billion and a 25- Fish kills following winter extremes ...... 3 the "Defending Against Aquatic year timetable for completion. Great Lakes ice melt a danger ...... 4 Invasive Species Act of 2014." If it is enacted, Miller’s bill MDNR to discuss Lk Mich regs ...... 4 The legislation would authorize would require the Army Corps of IL Boating & Hunter Safety Education ..... 4 the Secretary of the Army to address Engineers to begin designing a 1 in 5 MN boaters breaking the law ...... 4 the issue of aquatic invasive species, separation project within 180 days. MDNR stocks steelhead in Red Cedar .... 4 particularly Asian carp. The bill was When the design is finished, the Lk Erie 2014 Y Perch & Walleye Catch ... 5 introduced in February and has been agency would then have 180 days to 2014 Illinois licenses reminder ...... 5 referred to the Subcommittee on begin construction. WDNR proposes to allow fish net pens ... 6 Water Resources and Environment. The bill is co-sponsored by NY proposal to amend Jay Mtn Mgmt ..... 6 It seeks to design and construct a Michigan U.S. Reps. Dan Benishek, MI anglers on lookout for tagged walleye 6 barrier to prevent Asian carp from R-Iron River; John Conyers Jr., D- Acoustic telemetry reveals secrets ...... 7 invading the Great Lakes. It also Detroit; Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo; and $1.1 billion to state agencies ...... 8 would “authorize the Secretary of the Mike Rogers, R-Brighton. Although Lk Huron Citizens Fisher Committee ...... 9 Army to carry out certain activities to the Michigan House of BLM hiding behind Toothless Tortoise .. 10 prevent the inter-basin transfer of Representatives approved two OH approves 2014-15 hunting regs ...... 10 aquatic invasive species between the resolutions that are part of Miller’s White-nose syndrome confirmed...... 11 Great Lakes and Mississippi River, Carp barrier below Great Lakes Diets high in animal protein may help.... 11 and for other purposes.” Continued on page 5

2 Great Lakes Basin Report Nominations open for New MI fishing regs in GLSFC officers, effect directors For the coming 2014-2015 angling year, which started April 1, the Nominations are open for all officer Michigan DNR wants anglers to be and director positions of the Great  Established 1972  Lakes Sport Fishing Council for the aware of the following new fishing '15-'16 term. Nominations will be regulations:  Crayfish Possession and Use – President accepted via e-mail through August Daniel N. Thomas, Illinois 31. Non-native crayfish species, Vice President including but not limited to red Open Interested in getting involved? swamp crayfish and rusty Secretary Michael D. Sanger, Wisconsin Want to participate in the advocacy crayfish, may not be possessed or used for bait, whether dead or Treasurer process of building and supporting Thomas G. Couston, Illinois our recreational fishery – and at the alive, on any public or private same time work more closely with waters of Michigan. DIRECTORS government agencies? Get involved –  Muskellunge Size Limits – Illinois – Robert Gaik Larger size limits for Indiana – Mike Schoonveld get nominated. Michigan – Tom Hamilton muskellunge are now in effect for Minnesota - Dave Koneczny The Great Lakes Sport Fishing Gun Lake in Barry County (46 New York – Thomas Marks Council is on the cutting edge of inches) and Big Bear Lake in Ohio – Rick Unger Otsego County (50 inches). Ontario – Darryl Choronzey issues and information. We need your Pennsylvania - Ed Kissell help to help us generate that time-  Hook-and-Line Restrictions – It Wisconsin – Robert Wincek sensitive information to our members, is now unlawful to fish with potential members and the general artificial bait or minnows in the Clinton River cut-off channel in Position Statement public. Our award-winning Web site Representing a major interest in the aquatic gets over 34 million hits annually, and Macomb County from the resources of the Great Lakes states and the we need to continue feeding hungry spillway weir to the Harper Road province of Ontario, the Great Lakes Sport anglers with sound information. You Bridge from March 16 until the Fishing Council is a confederation of can help us by volunteering to serve. Friday before the last Saturday in organizations and individuals with a concern for April. the present and future of sport fishing, our natural resources and the ecosystem in which we Nominations are open for all  Walleye Size Limits – A live. We encourage the wise use of our resources offices including: minimum size limit of 15 inches and a search for the truth about the issues for walleye is now in effect for confronting us. Officers Craig Lake State Park waters in President Inland Seas Angler Baraga County. GREAT LAKES BASIN REPORT Vice President  Special Regulations Removed – Secretary The special regulations and Publisher Treasurer Dan Thomas, 630/941-1351 permit requirement to fish at Editor Jewett Lake in Ogemaw County Jeanette Thomas All State Directors (and Ontario) have been removed. General Webmaster Illinois statewide regulations now apply. Robert James, [email protected]

Indiana In addition, anglers are reminded Michigan  Copyright 2014 by Great Lakes Basin that the Betsie River spawning Publications, the INLAND SEAS ANGLERS-GREAT Minnesota closure is still in effect. The lower LAKES BASIN REPORT is the newsletter of the Great New York portion of the Betsie River from the Lakes Sport Fishing Council, a federally Ohio Betsie Valley Trail Bridge west to a recognized not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Ontario and recognized for tax-deductible giving by the line in Betsie Bay between the federal government. Pennsylvania westernmost dock of the Northstar Opinions expressed are those of the authors Marina and the westernmost dock of and not necessarily those of GLSFC, its officers or the Eastshore Marina remains closed staff. Reproduction of any material by paid-up members is encouraged, but appropriate credit to fishing until further notice. must be given. Reproduction by others without  THINK ABOUT IT  Detailed information on these written permission is prohibited. regulation changes and more can be Congressmen should wear uniforms, found in the 2014 Michigan Fishing Address Change: like NASCAR drivers, so we could Guide, now available at all major Send six weeks in advance with old mailing label to GREAT LAKES BASIN REPORT, P.O. Box 297, identify their corporate sponsors  retailers and on the DNR website at Elmhurst, IL 60126, (630) 941-1351 www.michigan.gov/fishing.  Great Lakes Basin Report 3

NY DEC reminds saltwater anglers to sign up for no-fee marine registry Saltwater fishing anglers are required the National Marine Fisheries NY Works funding to support to register for the free recreational Service database of recreational creating 50 new land and water access marine fish registry prior to fishing marine anglers. The database helps to projects to connect hunters, anglers, the marine waters of New York State efficiently obtain fishing activity bird watchers and others who enjoy to ensure federal and multi-state information, vital information for the outdoors to more than 380,000 regulations are fair to New York’s setting quotas, size and bag limits, acres of existing state and easement anglers. and fishing seasons each year. lands that have gone largely untapped “The no-fee recreational marine Saltwater anglers can register until now. These 50 new access fish registry is a vital tool that helps online at https://aca.dec.accela. projects include building new boat DEC better manage New York’s com/dec/, by phone (888-933-2257) launches, installing new hunting fisheries,” said Commissioner or at a license issuing agent location. blinds and building new trails and Martens. “It is imperative that all All anglers 16 years old and above are parking areas. In addition, the 2014- anglers sign up for the registry to help required to register if they plan to fish 15 budget includes $4 million to ensure fishing regulations put in place for saltwater fish species in the repair the state's fish hatcheries; and at the national and regional levels are marine and coastal district or fish for renews and allows expanded use of fair, effective and based on sound migratory fish of the sea within tidal crossbows for hunting in New York science.” waters of the Hudson River and its State. The no-fee registry was tributaries, or waters of Delaware This year’s budget also reduces established in 2011 in response the River or Mohawk River. Further short-term fishing licenses fees; National Oceanic and Atmospheric information can be found on DEC’s increases the number of authorized Administration’s (NOAA) mandate website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/ statewide free fishing days to eight that all recreational anglers fishing in permits/54950.html. from two; authorizes DEC to offer 10 coastal waters complete a National Registration is valid for one full days of promotional prices for Saltwater Angler Registry. Under year (365 days) from the date hunting, fishing and trapping licenses; Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for registered. There is no lifetime and authorizes free Adventure Plates Fishing and Hunting Initiative, the registration. Anglers found without a for new lifetime license holders, free marine fishing registration was registration may be ticketed up to discounted Adventure Plates for made permanent in 2013. $250 per violation. existing lifetime license holders and Information from New York’s In support of this initiative, this regular fee Adventure Plates for marine registry is incorporated into year’s budget includes $6 million in annual license holders. 

MI DNR says fish kills may be common following winter's extreme conditions The Michigan DNR recently issued a the one experienced this year. Dissolved oxygen is required by statement that after the heavy ice and Shallow lakes with excess aquatic fish and all other forms of aquatic snow cover melts on Michigan's lakes vegetation and soft bottoms are life. Once the daylight is greatly in early spring, it may be common to particularly prone to this problem. reduced by thick ice and deep snow discover dead fish or other aquatic Fish and other aquatic life typically cover, aquatic plants stop producing creatures. This year’s severe winter, die in late winter, but may not be oxygen and many die. The bacteria with heavy snow and ice cover, will noticed until a month after the ice that decompose organic materials on create conditions that cause fish and leaves the lake because the dead fish the bottom of the lake use the other creatures such as turtles, frogs, and other aquatic life are temporarily remaining oxygen in the water. Once toads and crayfish to die. preserved by the cold water. the oxygen is reduced other aquatic "Winterkill is the most common "Winterkill begins with animals die and start decomposing, type of fish kill," said Gary Whelan, distressed fish gasping for air at holes the rate that oxygen is used for DNR fish production manager. in the ice and often ends with large decomposition is additionally "Given the harsh conditions this numbers of dead fish that bloat as the increased and dissolved oxygen levels winter with thick ice and deep snow water warms in early spring," Whelan in the water decrease even more cover, it will be particularly common explained. "Dead fish and other leading to increasing winterkill. in shallow lakes and streams and aquatic life may appear fuzzy because For more info on fish kills visit: ponds. These kills are localized and of secondary infection by fungus, but www.michigan.gov/fishing. If you typically do not affect the overall the fungus was not the cause of death. suspect a fish kill is caused by non- health of the fish populations or The fish actually suffocated from a natural causes, please call the nearest fishing quality." lack of dissolved oxygen from DNR office or Michigan's Pollution Winterkill occurs during espe- decaying plants and other dead Emergency Alert System at 1-800- cially long, harsh winters―similar to aquatic animals under the ice." 292-4706.  4 Great Lakes Basin Report Great Lakes ice melt a 1 in 5 MN boaters still MI DNR again stocks danger to anglers breaking the law steelhead in Red As warmer temperatures roll across With another boating season upon us, Cedar River the Great Lakes, this year’s near- Minnesota boaters and anglers need to Will enhance fishing on MSU record ice coverage will soon be only continue to take steps to prevent the campus a memory. After a series of rescues spread of aquatic invasive species conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard (AIS). While the rate of AIS The Michigan DNR says 3,200 and local authorities, officials are violations dropped in 2013, one in steelhead were recently stocked in the warning ice fishermen and other five boaters is still breaking the law, Red Cedar River at Michigan State U. outdoor enthusiasts to be careful as according to a newly published In 2013, an ordinance was changed by lake ice melts. “Ice conditions are annual report from the DNR. the MSU board of trustees to allow rapidly changing,” said Karl Willis, The invasive species violation hook-and-line fishing on campus with the Coast Guard 9th District rate dropped to 20% last year from grounds between the western edge of Command Center in Cleveland. 31% in 2012. The rate is the Brody Complex and what's “Warming temperatures and wind proportion of people who were issued sometimes referred to as the Sparty significantly affect ice strength and citations at roadside check stations set bridge connecting West Circle Drive can lead to extremely hazardous up by DNR conservation officers. to Chestnut Road. Prior to that, conditions with a high probability for Boaters and anglers are legally anglers had not been allowed to fish drifting pack ice.” required to clean boats and equipment from the Red Cedar’s shores since the According to the Great Lakes and drain all water to prevent the 1960s. Environmental Research Lab, the spread of aquatic invasive species. Fishing from the designated area, current ice cover for the Great Lakes This year, the DNR will increase on the north bank of the river only, is stands at 54.3%. While it is an efforts to ensure boaters follow the part of a three-year test period. Good impressive number this late into the AIS laws. angling opportunities will include year, it is a dramatic drop from last steelhead and sucker fishing in the month’s 92 % ice coverage. Many Activities highlighted in the 2013 spring, smallmouth bass in the parts of the Lakes are already ice-free, invasive species of Minnesota report: summer, salmon in the fall, and a host of other native species throughout the although Lake Superior is a notable  DNR watercraft inspectors, open season.  standout and still boasts ice coverage who inspect boats and well above 70%.  equipment at water accesses, conducted 123,000 MI DNR to discuss inspections―an increase of zebra mussels attached. These were nearly 62 percent since 2011. all violations of AIS laws. Lake Michigan lake  More than 1,000 lake service Fortunately, DNR-trained watercraft trout regs providers have received AIS inspectors were onsite to stop the training and permits. owners and remove the invasive On April 23, at 5 p.m., Frankfort City  During the first full year of species before launching. Hall, 412 Main St., Michigan DNR its operation, the AIS “The public is our first line of fisheries staff will present information Advisory Committee began defense against AIS,” said Ann and take comments on possible conversations with boat Pierce, DNR section manager. “It changes to lake trout size and daily manufacturers on design only takes a few minutes to make sure catch limits for northern Lake modifications to ensure boats your boat and equipment are cleaned, Michigan lake trout management drain water more effectively. all water is drained and drain plugs zones MM-3, 4 and 5. Comments  Initiated risk assessments on are removed before leaving the water received will inform potential lake the potential for transporting access. This truly is an example of an trout regulation changes in 2015.  veligers in residual water of ounce of prevention being worth a

recreational watercraft. pound of cure.” IL Boating & Hunter  Collaborated with the Iowa Enforcement and watercraft Safety Education DNR to install an electric inspection together represent the barrier on Lower Gar Lake largest segment (43 percent) of the Hunter Safety Education and Boating in Iowa to help prevent the program’s annual 2013 budget of Safety Education courses from the migration of Asian carp into about $8.5 million. The budget also IDNR are posted on the IDNR southwestern Minnesota. covers management and control of website, where class schedules are Also last year, nearly 8,000 boats invasive aquatic plant species such as updated frequently. Sign up for a arrived at Minnesota water accesses Eurasian watermilfoil and curly-leaf safety course today. For more info: with drain plugs in; more than 1,200 pondweed and education. For more www.dnr.illinois.gov/safety. had vegetation attached and 134 had info: www.mndnr.gov/AIS. 

Great Lakes Basin Report 5

Lake Erie 2014 Yellow Perch and Walleye Catch Levels WINDSOR, ON – The Lake Erie harvestable stocks of yellow perch western portion of Lake Erie, Committee, composed of senior will be lower in 2014 than last year, jurisdictions in the eastern end of the fishery managers from Michigan, necessitating a reduced TAC. The lake are outside the TAC area. New York, Ohio, Ontario, and proposed TAC, after deliberations Harvest limits in the eastern basin are Pennsylvania, met in Windsor Ontario with stakeholders through the established separately by Ontario, PA, recently and recommended a 2014 LEPMAG process, reflects the and NY and remain consistent with total allowable catch (TAC) of 11.081 committee’s interest in maintaining lakewide conditions and objectives. million pounds of yellow perch and stability in harvest while ensuring Meeting as the Walleye Task 4.027 million walleye. These yellow perch sustainability. Group, scientists and biologists share recommended harvest levels represent Under the 2014 TAC data and reach consensus on a modest decrease in allowable recommendation, Ontario will receive biological conditions. The task yellow perch harvest and a modest 5.409 million lbs., Ohio 4.418 million group’s walleye abundance estimates, increase in walleye harvest for 2014. lbs., Michigan 0.145 million lbs., which incorporate suggestions from TAC recommendations are New York 0.259 million lbs., and LEPMAG, serve as the foundation for developed after thorough lakewide Pennsylvania 0.850 million lbs. the Lake Erie Committee’s biological assessments, analysis, Scientists and field biologists from all discussions and TAC discussions, and consultations with jurisdictions meet annually and on an recommendations. Like yellow perch, stakeholders. The Lake Erie ongoing basis to analyze fisheries and each Lake Erie jurisdiction is Committee, which operates by agency data in order to estimate responsible for implementing their consensus, also supports the Lake population levels and recommend the portion of the TAC. Erie Percid Management Advisory annual TAC. (Yellow perch are allocated in Group, or LEPMAG, as a mechanism pounds; walleye are allocated by to consider the status of walleye and WALLEYE number of fish) For more yellow perch and to discuss harvest Informed by a harvest policy recently information: www.glfc.org/lec.  strategies with affected stakeholders, developed in consultation with such as commercial and recreational LEPMAG members, and on a new 2014 Illinois licenses fishers. This structured stakeholder population assessment model engagement reflects the committee’s developed in conjunction with reminder interest in involving the fishing stakeholders and Michigan State The new license year has begun for community in actions related to University, the Lake Erie Committee most states. Outdoor licenses are management of Lake Erie’s percid set a 2014 walleye TAC of 4.027 available from DNR license and fisheries. million fish, compared to the TAC of permit vendors, online. For Illinois, The Lake Erie Committee 3.356 million fish in 2013. The go to: www.dnr.illinois.gov/online/ recommends TACs that are consistent increased TAC recommendation for Pages/default.aspx, or call 888-673- with the status of Lake Erie’s fish 2014 reflects the committee’s goal to 7648. For other states go to: population while maintaining stable manage the lakewide fish stocks http://www.great- harvest levels, as informed through sustainably while integrating lakes.org/licenses.html. the LEPMAG process. The individual stakeholder input into the process. provincial and state governments Walleye hatches have been generally adhere to and implement the TAC poor in recent years, though some Carp barrier below Great Lakes recommendations consistent with year classes, particularly those in Continued from page 1 their respective regulations and 2010 and 2003 have been moderate to management objectives. exceptional, contributing to the congressional bill, she understands stability of the walleye fishery and the difficulty of receiving federal YELLOW PERCH allowing for an increased TAC over approval. The state of Illinois has The Lake Erie Committee last year. resisted calls to change the canal and recommended a 2014 binational TAC Ontario, Ohio and Michigan erect physical barriers to separate of 11.081 million lbs. of yellow share the TAC based on a formula of Lake Michigan from Chicago’s perch, a 9% decrease from last year’s walleye habitat within each waterways, stressing that the allocation of 12.237 million lbs. The jurisdiction in the western and central legislation is too expensive and proposed harvest level is based on basins of the lake. Under a 2014 TAC harmful to commercial shipping. biological assessments, conducted of 4.027 million fish, Ohio will be Miller said six of eight states and analyzed by biologists that entitled to 2.058 million fish, Ontario bordering the Great Lakes favor some showed a moderate decline in yellow 1.734 million fish, and Michigan form of action on the Asian carp perch biomass in the lake. Committee 0.235 million fish. Because the problem.  members concluded that the majority of harvest comes from the 6 Great Lakes Basin Report DNR proposes to allow NY DEC proposal to MI DNR asks anglers fish net pens in Wis. amend Jay Mountain to be on the lookout The Wisconsin DNR is proposing to Wilderness Mgmt Plan for tagged walleye allow nonprofit groups to place net The New York State DEC submitted To improve its knowledge of walleye pens in Lake Michigan, Lake a proposed amendment to the 2010 populations in Lake Huron and Superior and their tributaries to Jay Mountain Wilderness Unit Saginaw Bay, the DNR is set to tag increase the fish population there for Management Plan (UMP) to the nearly 3,000 walleye in Saginaw Bay recreational anglers. Adirondack Park Agency (APA) to tributary rivers over the next two A new law passed last year ensure the UMP is consistent with the weeks. A total of 1,000 walleye will allows nonprofit organizations to constitutional amendment approved be tagged in the Tittabawassee River raise fish themselves, and the by voters in November 2013 that and the remaining 2,000 in other department is seeking public permits exploratory sampling on the tributary streams. To get the most comment on a general permit to allow state-owned parcel in the Town of information from these efforts, them to do so. Michigan and New Lewis, Essex County, DEC anglers are asked to collect data on York are the only other states to allow Commissioner Joe Martens tagged fish they catch and report it to such pens. announced. the DNR. The permit is intended for local The constitutional amendment Collected info can be mailed to sport clubs and fishing organizations. authorizes NYCO Materials, Inc. to the address on the tag or reported on No group would be allowed to raise conduct sampling on the 200-acre the DNR website at: fish for food or commercial purposes. parcel, known as Lot 8, to determine www.michigandnr.com/taggedfish. The purpose of the permits is to the quantity and quality of Since 1981, more than 100,000 provide more fish for anglers. wollastonite on the site, which is walleye in the Saginaw Bay area have Prior to the legislation, the law adjacent to the company’s long- been tagged. Jaw-tagging is part of an did not allow new fish farms, and the standing mine. The exploratory assessment project to monitor DNR allowed groups to keep fish sampling will also provide survival and exploitation rates of this only for up to two days without information that DEC will use to key walleye population. The program feeding them. If the fish were fed or accurately appraise the value of Lot 8 depends on anglers to report when kept longer, the pen would be for a potential land exchange if and where a tagged walleye is caught considered an illegal farm. The new NYCO decides to expand its mining as well as the fish’s length, weight (if permits will allow organizations to operations. known) and tag identification number. legally keep fish in a pen for a longer “This is an important step in the Both released and harvested walleye period of time and to feed them. process to evaluate the site for a can be reported. Anglers then will Fish would be transported to a potential land exchange between the receive a letter from the DNR, net pen the same way as fish are taken State and NYCO that would expand detailing the background of their fish. to the DNR’s hatcheries. The fish public access and recreation “Survival rate is the rate at which would be carried by truck to a pen opportunities in the Adirondacks, walleye are surviving from one year and piped into the water. The fish while also supporting the regional to the next and exploitation rate is the would be kept in the net pens for one economy,” Commissioner Martens percentage of walleye being harvested to three weeks, which would give said. from the population,” Dave Fielder, them more time to acclimate to their The current Jay Mountain DNR fish biologist, said. “These two environment while avoiding Wilderness Area includes Lot 8, measurements are essential for predators. “The fish will be fed the which is part of the State Forest gauging the health of the population same amount as fish in our own Preserve and is governed by Article and fishery.” hatcheries,” said Geihtbrock. XIV, Section 1 of the State The annual tagging operation is Water level, temperature and pH Constitution (Article XIV). The spearheaded by the DNR’s Southern would be measured to ensure the property is also subject to the Lake Huron Management Unit. water remains safe for fish. provisions of the Adirondack Park Electrofishing boats are used to Mainly trout and salmon would State Land Master Plan (APSLMP) as temporarily stun the fish so they can be raised in the pens. Trout and outlined in the 2010 Unit be netted and measured and a small salmon imprint on the chemical Management Plan for the Jay metal tag can be affixed to the jaw of signatures of the tributaries they live Mountain Wilderness area. each fish. in., and the pens would allow more If Lot 8 is ultimately conveyed to Learn more about marked and time for the fish to imprint and adapt NYCO, an amendment to the tagged fish at to the lakes. Net pens also help APSLMP’s area description of the Jay www.michigan.gov/taggedfish  generate more public interest in Mountain Wilderness Area will fishing organizations.  recognize that Lot 8 will no longer be

contained in the Wilderness Area.  Great Lakes Basin Report 7

Great Lakes scientists use acoustic telemetry to reveal secret lives of fish If you have ever gone fishing, you better idea of where they have been monitoring, control, restoration, and know that fish do not stay in one and where they might go next," said management efforts in the Great location for too long. That hot fishing biologist Chris Holbrook. "In a Lakes. spot where you caught so many fish similar way, acoustic telemetry yesterday may be vacant today. A provides a record of activity that we Acoustic telemetry discoveries in the puzzle for anglers and scientists alike can use to understand the habits of Great Lakes is figuring out where fish move and important fish species and to predict Recent advancements using acoustic when they will be back. Fish move their next move." telemetry in the Great Lakes include throughout water bodies for a variety discovery of new spawning grounds of reasons, such as following prey, How acoustic telemetry works for lake trout, a native Great Lakes finding mates, or seeking summering Acoustic telemetry works like fish that once supported a valuable and wintering grounds. In the Great electronic toll collection systems such fishing industry. Fine-scale acoustic Lakes, fish have a lot of room to as the I-Pass or E-ZPass: an telemetry tracking on a reef complex roam. Many Great Lakes fishes can internally-tagged fish swims through in Lake Huron revealed six specific move across huge expanses within a a network of receivers, like a car locations―some only the size of a lake and possibly even move between passing through a toll-booth. The tag small bedroom―where lake trout lay Great Lakes. For biologists that study inside the fish―technically an their eggs. "This information is being the movement of fish, that's a lot of acoustic telemetry used to determine which spawning ground to cover. transmitter―continuously "pings" a habitats are best for incubating eggs, Through support from the Great unique ID number. The receivers, to identify unprotected critical Lakes Restoration Initiative, the Great small, data-logging computers also habitats, and to improve artificial Lakes Fishery Commission is using called hydrophones, listen for pings spawning reefs," said Dr. Tom innovative acoustic telemetry and record the date, time, and ID Binder, the lead researcher on the lake technology to unravel the mysteries of number for every tagged fish that trout project. fish behavior. Using acoustic swims nearby. The receivers are Acoustic telemetry is being used telemetry, scientists can track the anchored in strategic locations: such to improve our understanding of movements of fish with remarkable as along migration routes, near another native Great Lakes fish―the precision. This detailed information spawning areas, and in other places of lake sturgeon which is listed as allows scientists to discover interest to scientists. In some cases, threatened or endangered in multiple previously unknown aspects of the receivers are positioned in sequential areas of the region. Scientists are lives of fishes in the Great Lakes, lines, which allow scientists to studying movement patterns of lake such as where certain fish spawn (a determine fish presence/absence and sturgeon to aid restoration in the difficult job given the vastness of the movement through a constrained water bodies connecting Lakes Huron Great Lakes), when fish move to and environment, such as a river. In other and Erie. One surprising result: from spawning or overwintering cases, receivers are positioned in an scientists discovered that Lake St. areas, and how much mixing occurs array that allows scientists to pinpoint Clair, a hotspot of contamination and among fish stocks. Ultimately, this the exact location of a fish in three habitat degradation, serves as an information is highly valuable for dimensions, such as in an open lake. overwintering area and feeding improving Great Lakes fishery Scientists determine the location of ground for these ancient fish. management. tagged fish in receiver arrays by Scientists are also using acoustic In the past, scientists had to synchronizing information from telemetry to improve management of deduce fish movements using less multiple receivers (through walleye, one of the Great Lakes most precise methods such as inferring fish triangulation and other methods). desirable species. Extensive tracking behavior based on capture locations. The acoustic telemetry network of walleye in Lake Huron has Although these methods are useful for in the Great Lakes, called the Great revealed that walleye are capable of telling scientists when a fish is Lakes Acoustic Telemetry making long migrations throughout present in a particular location, they Observation System (GLATOS), the lake. Dr. Todd Hayden, lead do not tell scientists how the fish got consists of more than 400 receivers researcher on the Lake Huron walleye there, how long the fish stayed, how and thousands of tagged fish. In just study, explained the value of acoustic many times the fish visited, and three short years, scientists have telemetry to the Great Lakes walleye where the fish would have gone next. already recorded more than 54 million fishery: "Movement information "When law enforcement agents are movement records for more than ten allows managers to understand how tracking criminals, they don't just wait species of fish! With each record, production in one area affects harvest for the criminals to commit a traffic researchers learn more about fish in another. This information is being violation or pop up in an movements, migration patterns, used to fine-tune and develop new airport―they look into criminals' habitat use, and survival, which management strategies that promote a phone and credit card records to get a provide valuable insight to improve Acoustic telemetry cont’d next page 8 Great Lakes Basin Report Acoustic telemetry continued healthy and productive walleye $1.1 billion to state agencies from excise fishery in Lake Huron." Acoustic telemetry is also being taxes on anglers, hunters, and boaters used to combat sea lamprey, one of Distributions are $238.4 million higher than last year the most notorious invasive species in the Great Lakes. The St. Marys River, which connects Lake Superior to WASHINGTON –The USFWS will subsequently returned to the Sport Lake Huron, is a major contributor to distribute nearly $1.1 billion in excise Fish Restoration Trust Fund. The FY sea lamprey populations in the Great tax revenues paid by sportsmen to 2014 Sport Fish Restoration Lakes. Scientists use traps in the river state and territorial fish and wildlife apportionment is $34.1 million lower to measure sea lamprey abundance. agencies to fund fish and wildlife than FY 2013 due to lower domestic To provide accurate counts, traps conservation and recreation projects fishing equipment excise tax receipts. must be placed in appropriate across the nation. The Service’s Wildlife and Sport locations to intercept migrating sea The Service apportions the funds Fish Restoration Program reimburses lampreys, but currently all traps are to all 50 states and territories through up to 75 percent of the cost of each located at barriers, which are the "end the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife eligible project, while state fish and of the line" for a migrating sea Restoration and Dingell-Johnson wildlife agencies contribute a lamprey. Using acoustic telemetry, Sport Fish Restoration programs. minimum of 25 percent, generally Holbrook revealed that traditional Revenues come from excise taxes using hunting and fishing license assessments underestimate the true generated by the sale of sporting revenues as the required non-federal sizes of some sea lamprey populations firearms, ammunition, archery match. because many lampreys get off the equipment, fishing equipment and Funding is paid by train early. "Telemetry has shown us tackle, and electric outboard motors. manufacturers, producers and that we need to place traps in new Recreational boaters also contribute importers and is distributed by the locations and has given us the to the program through fuel taxes on Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish behavioral information that we need motorboats and small engines. Restoration Program to each state and to begin designing and placing those “Anyone who enjoys our nation’s territory. traps," said Holbrook. outdoor heritage should thank The Wildlife and Sport Fish hunters, anglers, recreational boaters Restoration Programs have generated Learn more about acoustic telemetry and target shooters,” said Dan Ashe, a total of more than $15 billion since and contribute to the projects! director of the Service. “Through the their inception―in 1937 in the case If you are interested in learning more Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife about how acoustic telemetry is being Program, these individuals have Restoration Program and 1950 for the used to protect and improve Great created a 75-year legacy for Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Lakes fisheries, visit the GLATOS conservation of critical wildlife Restoration Program―to conserve website: www.data.glos.us/glatos. habitat and improved access to the fish and wildlife resources. The Website visitors can explore a map of outdoors for everyone.” recipient fish and wildlife agencies receiver locations and read more The total distributions this year have matched these program funds about current acoustic telemetry are $238.4 million higher than last with more than $5 billion. This projects. year because of the inclusion of funds funding is critical to sustaining Anglers can also contribute to the that were not distributed last year healthy fish and wildlife populations acoustic telemetry effort by returning because of the government sequester and providing opportunities for all to tags implanted in walleye and lake and an increase in excise tax receipts connect with nature. trout. When fishing for these species, from sales of firearms and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service look for fish marked with orange ammunition in the Wildlife Final Apportionment of Wildlife "spaghetti" tags on their backs or fish Restoration Trust Fund. Restoration Funds and Sport Fish that contain an acoustic telemetry tag The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Funds for Fiscal Year inside their body cavity. If you call Restoration Program apportionment 2014 for Great Lakes States are: the phone number listed on the tags, for 2014 totals a record $760.9 you will be guided through a process million, which includes $20 million ILLINOIS $22,676,138 to return the telemetry tag and receive that was sequestered from FY 2013 INDIANA $17,301,752 a $100 reward for your effort! The but subsequently returned to the MICHIGAN $35,244,512 returned telemetry tags can then be Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund. MINNESOTA $35,296,856 implanted into new fish, allowing The Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish NEW YORK $28,467,902 Great Lakes scientists to solve even Restoration Program apportionment OHIO $22,464,377 more mysteries of Great Lakes fish for 2014 totals $325.7 million, which PENNSYLVANIA $35,731,360 behavior.  includes $18.5 million that was WISCONSIN $34,208,337  sequestered from FY 2013 but Great Lakes Basin Report 9

Lake Huron Citizens Fishery Committee Summary Lake Huron 2013 Forage Update and overview of predator diet study – Ed Roseman, USGS 2013 Lake Huron forage fish for the larger predators. Because of appearing in the stomachs throughout surveys this, it should be beneficial for fishery the entire sampling period including The 2013 forage bottom trawl results managers to concentrate on stocking emerald shiners, freshwater drum, for Lake Huron showed a small species that are better able to avoid gizzard shad, pumpkinseed, white increase in newly hatched alewife and being eaten immediately after being perch, white sucker and others. rainbow smelt with low numbers of planted. Recently, the brown trout adults. Overall their numbers remain program has been terminated in Lake The stomachs taken from Spoils low especially for alewife. There are Huron because the stocked fish spent Island contained a more diverse diet many young bloaters with another many months near shore where they and were dominated with fresh water good hatch, however, there was a were very vulnerable and a switch in drum in April, white perch in May, decrease in the number of larger emphasis has been placed on Atlantic walleye in June, and goby in July, bloaters. In addition, there was a salmon and steelhead that smolt August and September. Yellow perch decrease in the other forage species before and during stocking and were present in each month but the including sculpin, stickleback and quickly move off shore into safer amounts were relatively small. trout perch. There was a decrease in waters. The main concern with having a the round goby abundance compared large population of cormorants is the to the high levels in 2012. Forage fish Cormorants in Saginaw Bay sport fishery will be negatively biomass is still dominated by bloaters In 2003, authority was granted to the impacted. The annual trawl for age 0 and the total forage fish biomass was State to identify problem areas for walleye has shown considerable down 50% from 2012. This is the first treatment. USDA and tribal strong year classes since the alewife decrease in prey biomass in the past organizations were also recognized as crashed in 2003. That translated into three years which is 13% of the long agencies to manage cormorant excellent adult walleye abundance, term maximum. control. Much work has been which is an enormous success story! conducted in Northern Lake Huron Therefore, the goals have been 2009-2011 Lake Huron Predator and at various locations in Lake reached and stocking has been Diet Study Michigan but control was not started discontinued. Since the alewife crashed in 2003 in Saginaw Bay. In addition, trawl catches for age most predators like trout, salmon and Little Charity Island and Spoils 0 yellow perch increased after the walleye have altered their diet to eat Island are the only two islands with alewife declined. Numbers have more insects and smaller fish. breeding populations of cormorants declined since 2003, but overall Chinook salmon appeared to be the within Saginaw Bay. Currently, it is numbers of juvenile age 0 yellow only species not able to switch to a estimated that there are over 2,500 perch are very strong. These high more varied diet. The following is a pairs and because of increasing numbers however, are not translating summary: complaints about the expanding to adult abundance. Yellow perch Chinook continued to pursue mid population in the Bay a diet study was reproduce very well, but are not water smelt and the rare alewife. started last April and extended surviving indicating a mortality Lake trout ate primarily round goby through September. During each problem on young perch in Saginaw and smelt. month 25 stomach samples were Bay. Rainbow trout (steelhead) diet collected from the birds on each A walleye Diet Study has shown consisted of 56% invertebrates which island for a total of 303 samples. that in 2005 yellow perch became a were mainly terrestrial insects along dominant part of the walleye diet. with a variety of forage fish. The stomachs taken from Little With the first year of the Cormorant Atlantic salmon and coho consumed Charity Island contained high Diet Study complete, the challenge is smaller numbers of invertebrates but amounts by weight of yellow perch in to put those numbers into context and they ate a variety of smaller forage April with a lesser spike in August. determine if the birds are also fish including significant numbers of Yellow perch were found during the significantly reducing recovery of emerald shiner and sticklebacks. other months but in much smaller yellow perch in the Bay. Walleye consumed mainly yellow amounts. High numbers of goby were In 2011, cormorant total perch. This is a switch from the 1980s present in stomachs during May, consumption in Saginaw Bay was when walleye ate mainly alewives, June, July with smaller amounts in estimated at 1,755,143 pounds of fish shad and shiners. Since the alewife August and September. Significant annually. By comparison, walleye crashed, forage fish over 6 inches in amounts of walleye were present in consumption from age 2+ individuals length have become rare resulting in May and September. The diets were is estimated to be around 3,122,959 young trout and salmon being about the most varied in August and pounds of fish/year, therefore the only larger food items available September with other species cormorants are consuming 56% as 10 Great Lakes Basin Report much as walleye. By comparison Ohio approves 2014- Legal deer hunting rifles are walleyes consume 498,553 pounds of chambered for the following calibers: yellow perch in Saginaw Bay during 2015 hunting .357 Magnum, .357 Maximum, .38 2011 while cormorants consumed regulations Special, .375 Super Magnum, .375 257,094 pounds. Winchester, .38-55, .41 Long Colt, Would management of the COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio has .41 Magnum, .44 Special, .44 cormorants make a difference in approved new white-tailed deer Magnum, .444 Marlin, .45 ACP, .45 yellow perch survival? Cormorants hunting regulations, according to the Colt, .45 Long Colt, .45 Winchester are eating a variety of prey and Ohio DNR. Among new regulations Magnum, .45 Smith & Wesson, .454 nongame species are the larger are decreased deer bag limits in many Casull, .460 Smith & Wesson, .45-70, majority but the consumption of counties, and hunters may use .45-90, .45-110, .475 Linebaugh, .50- yellow perch is not negligible. Even if straight-walled cartridge rifles during 70, .50-90, .50-100, .50-110 and .500 the number of yellow perch consumed the 2014 deer-gun week. The council Smith & Wesson. by the birds is a smaller percentage, also voted to remove bobcats from A new regulation states shotguns the impact could be large. More Ohio’s list of threatened species. and straight-walled cartridge rifles analysis is needed to fully evaluate The 2014-2015 deer hunting used for deer hunting be loaded with the cormorant’s significance so a season dates will remain largely no more than three shells in the second year of collection is planned. consistent with previous years. One magazine and chamber combined.  change in season dates included The current hunting regulation states adjusting deer-muzzleloader season to a shotgun must be plugged if it is BLM hiding behind begin on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, and end capable of holding more than three on Monday, Jan. 5, compared to last shells. Toothless Tortoise year when the season began on a New next year, youth hunters can Saturday and concluded on a A 1990 study, called The Desert harvest up to two wild turkeys during Tuesday. The October antlerless deer- the 2015 two-day youth season (one Toiroise in Relation to Cattle muzzleloader weekend will be held Grazing should prove once and for per day). Checking two wild turkeys for the second year. all the incredible stupidity of the would fill the youth hunter’s bag limit bumbling bureaucrats with the Bureau Deer hunting seasons for 2014-2015: for the remaining 2015 spring wild of Land Management. The tortoise • Deer archery: Sept. 27, 2014 - Feb. turkey season. This change does not can’t process bulky forage to meet its 1, 2015. take effect until 2015. The bag limit nutritional requirements. They solved • Antlerless deer muzzleloader: Oct. remains one wild turkey for the two- this problem long ago—they allow 11-12, 2014. day 2014 youth wild turkey hunting other animals to do it for them. Desert • Youth deer gun: Nov. 22-23, 2014. season.  tortoises feed primarily on dung – • Deer gun: Dec. 1-7, 2014. cow pies. • Deer muzzleloader: Jan. 2-5, 2015. Hatchery grants for walleyes “A crust forms on cow-pies The Ohio Wildlife Council also Continued from page 1 which retards evaporation; the interior approved changes to Ohio’s list of fish they will produce and the dries out very slowly. Cows can, endangered and threatened species. price,and to commit to stocking those therefore, supply water to tortoises for The bobcat, previously threatened, within Wisconsin for at least three several weeks after they leave the was removed from the list. Bobcats years. range.” are still considered a protected species The 13 applications DNR As environmentalists BLM in Ohio with no hunting or trapping received for the hatchery capacity agents make good cow-pies. season. The snowshoe hare was grants were reviewed by a technical Their ‘Save the Environment’ changed to a species of concern, review panel that included DNR staff twaddle notwithstanding, BLM’s Bewick’s wren was changed to with expertise in walleye and cool- invasion of Cliven Bundy’s ranch is extirpated and smooth greensnakes water species hatchery production and not all about the tortoise. were changed to endangered. management, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Tortoise fed and watered by Small-game hunting and Service fisheries expert and a grazing cattle don’t need 200 snipers, furbearer trapping season dates were University of Wisconsin – Extension helicopters, SUVs and tasers to save also passed. Season dates and bag fisheries expert. them. limits for migratory birds, including Applicants were ranked based on Until Vernon Bostick’s U of mourning dove, Canada goose, rail, criteria including their experience in Arizona paper was unearthed, the moorhen, snipe, woodcock and raising walleye or other cool-water Desert Tortoise was the perfect waterfowl will be set in August in fish, cost effectiveness, and having a excuse for marauding BLM agents to compliance with the U.S. Fish and shovel-ready project that would drive land owners and ranchers off Wildlife Service’s framework. The significantly increase their production land confiscated for Big Government. hunting and trapping season dates can of walleye.  (Click on blue title above for full be found at www.bit.ly/ study.) 1415Ohiohuntingseason. Great Lakes Basin Report 11

White-nose syndrome confirmed in bats in Michigan The Michigan DNR announced the In 2010, the DNR, along with the Right now, there is no treatment fungus known to cause significant agency’s partners, developed the for WNS and no way to deliver the rates of illness and death in North state’s WNS Response Plan. The plan treatment to millions of affected bats American bats has been detected for outlined two main pillars: 1) prevent even if treatment existed. the first time in Michigan. White-nose the arrival and spread of WNS as long Rehabilitation of bats is prohibited in syndrome (WNS) has been found in as possible by mitigating the human- Michigan because of the potential for three Michigan counties: Alpena, assisted movement of the fungus that the exposure of humans to rabies. The Dickinson and Mackinac. causes the disease; and 2) conserve best thing the public can do when Five little brown bats showing whatever bat populations remain after they find a dying or dead bat is to disease characteristics were collected the disease has arrived by preserving leave it alone and keep children, recently during routine WNS abandoned mines and caves. livestock and pets away from it. surveillance by Dr. Allen Kurta and In northeastern states, where the Bat die-offs can be reported Steve Smith, researchers from Eastern disease has been present the longest, through an observation report on the Michigan University. White-nose summer populations are down by 70- DNR website at www.michigan. syndrome was diagnosed by 80%, and winter die-offs in some gov/wildlife or by calling the DNR at Michigan State U’s Diagnostic Center caves have been greater than 90%. 517-336-5030. The USFWS requests for Population and Animal Health While there is no connection that cavers refrain from caving in all (DCPAH). between WNS and rabies, the DNR WNS-affected states and adjoining The diagnosis was then and Michigan Department of states. Cavers also should refrain confirmed by the U.S. Geological Community Health caution the public from caving anywhere during the Survey’s National Wildlife Health to avoid handling bats because of the hibernation period (September – Center in Madison, Wis. The bats risk for exposure to rabies. Bats in May) to minimize disturbance and tested positive for Pseudogymnoascus Michigan can carry rabies, a virus that mortality to bats. destructans, the fungus known to be infects the central nervous system of The loss of bats due to WNS the causative agent of skin lesions mammals, including people, and could be economically significant for observed in WNS-affected bats. The causes death in almost all cases. agriculture and commercial forestry. disease was first documented in 2006 Rabies is most commonly spread by A reduction in the bat population in a cave in upstate New York. the bite of an infected animal. There could lead to an increase in pests Eleven species of bat have been are no known harmful effects to harmful to crops and trees. For more infected and over 6 million have died. humans from WNS. info: www.michigan.gov/wns. 

Diets high in animal protein may help prevent functional decline in elderly A diet high in protein, particularly the National Institute of Health and measures related to activities of daily animal protein, may help elderly Nutrition in Japan, and her colleagues living. individuals maintain a higher level of in Tohoku University and Teikyo Men in the highest quartile of physical, psychological, and social University, Japan, wondered whether animal protein intake had a 39 percent function according to a study protein intake might affect the decreased chance of experiencing published in the Journal of the functional capabilities of older adults. higher-level functional decline than American Geriatrics Society. They designed a study to investigate those in the lowest quartile. These Due to increasing life the relationship between protein associations were not seen in women. expectancies in many countries, intake and future decline in higher- No consistent association was increasing numbers of elderly people level functional capacity in older observed between plant protein intake are living with functional decline, community-dwelling adults in Japan. and future higher-level functional such as declines in cognitive ability Their analysis included 1,007 decline in either sex. and activities of daily living. This can individuals with an average age of "Identifying nutritional factors have profound effects on the health 67.4 years who completed food that contribute to maintaining higher- and well-being of older adults and questionnaires at the start of the study level functional capacity is important their caregivers, as well as on health and seven years later. Participants for prevention of future deterioration care resources. were divided into four groups of activities of daily living,” said Dr. Research suggests that as people (quartiles) according to their intake Tsubota-Utsugi. “Along with other age, their ability to absorb or process levels of total, animal, and plant modifiable health behaviors, a diet protein may decline. To compensate protein. Tests of higher-level rich in protein may help older adults for this loss, protein requirements functional capacity included social maintain their functional capacity.”  may increase with age. Megumi and intellectual aspects as well as Tsubota-Utsugi, PhD, MPH, RD, of 12 Great Lakes Basin Report

Other Breaking News Items: (Click on title or URL to read full article)

New plan needed for Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River; water levels likely to be higher this summer A new plan ― one that regulates the water levels for Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River ― is needed soon because of the recent rise in water levels.

Come spring: The walleyes move out of Saginaw Bay Researchers have been following the walleye's whereabouts for a few years and are still puzzled by the reasons behind the fish's long journey out of Saginaw Bay.

Mixed catch: Spending up, but even state's fishing industry needs a business plan Michigan's fishing industry is analogous to some of its most sought-after catch, but in order to keep the industry up, there needs to be some marketing changes.

Despite winter’s might, ash borer treatment urged Although this winter was one of the harshest the Midwest has seen in years, it wasn't harsh enough to prevent the ash borer from invading the ash trees.

Lake levels hold steady as cold hangs on Water levels in Lake Michigan held steady compared to last month, but are above last year and expected to rise as more snowpack melts with the warmer spring weather.

Ohio's walleye, yellow perch populations stable; bag limits to remain the same in 2014 There will be no changes in the Ohio bag limits for Lake Erie walleye or yellow perch for 2014 ― walleye population is healthier than expected, while schools of yellow perch are in a mild slump

Durbin criticizes Free Enterprise “Created Unfairness and Injustice” Sen. Dick Durbin said free enterprise isn't always best. Government must step in. "The free enterprise system is a strong system," he said, but it "created unfairness and injustice when it came to health care, which we are addressing with this Affordable Care Act."

Minnesota may rename Asian carp to less offensive invasive carp The troublesome fish currently known as Asian carp might get a new name in Minnesota, over concern that the current one casts people from Asian cultures in a negative light. Proposals advancing in the Legislature would require the DNR to refer to the fish as

Volunteers help Illinois fish for fish data Members of Salmon Unlimited travel every March to the Jake Wolf fish hatchery to assist in the annual clipping of designated fins — the left pectoral and right ventral this year — from small rainbow trout that will be stocked in Lake Michigan when they have grown

Brutal winter should lead to rise in lake levels As the record-breaking 93.29% ice cover that peaked on Lake Michigan this month breaks, and as the snowpack around the Michigan Basin that was 30% higher this year than any time in the past decade melts, water levels will undergo a stronger than usual seasonal

Alewife Numbers remain low in Lake Michigan/ Lake Michigan alewife populations continue to be at low ebb and may dip further before this year is over. Surveys conducted last August by state and federal agencies found little change from 2012, when prey fish numbers were reported at all-time lows.

Changing Lake Erie, invasive white perch threaten popular yellow perch in Western Lake Erie White perch could be a major reason for a decline of Lake Erie's yellow perch, the darling of Ohio sport and commercial anglers. "Predation on yellow perch by white perch is something none of us had really considered in the past," said Jeff Tyson, the new Lake

BP says it spilled more oil than initially thought Company estimates now indicate as many as 39 barrels — or 1,638 gallons — of crude oil may have been released Monday afternoon when the BP Whiting refinery experienced a malfunction in its oil processing unit, officials said Thursday.

Idaho Governor oks legislation nullifying all future federal gun laws A new Idaho law effectively nullifies future federal gun laws, by prohibiting state enforcement of any future federal act relating to personal firearms, a firearm accessories or ammunition. Alaska and Kansas have also passed similar laws. We may soon see a wave

Deep freeze means rare rise in Great Lakes water levels Thanks to the deep freeze this winter, there is an expected 13-15 inch rise in water levels in the Great Lakes.

Wisconsin lawmaker rips tribes spearfishing goals- Great Lakes Basin Report 13 Chippewa bands want to spear too many walleyes again this spring and risk re-igniting tensions if state officials adopt tight bag limits for non- tribal anglers, the state Assembly's tourism chairman warned. The tribes have declared they want to harvest a record 63,488

Corps to study possibility of limiting flow of St. Clair River The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is going to spend about $50,000 to figure out if it’s possible to slow the flow of water exiting Lake Huron through the St. Clair River.

Fish stocking program boosting Lake Ontario's viability Lake Ontario is boasting some of the best sport fishing among the Great Lakes, thanks to a successful stocking program by New York State’s environmental management agency.

Record-Breaking Lake Trout confiscated by Canadian authorities Scott’s fish bested the previous world record for lake trout caught on a tip-up by nearly 24 lbs. It seemed that the only thing remaining was the requisite paperwork. But authorities contacted Scott and let him know he’d broken the law. And then they confiscated the fish

End