Event Title
The Future of Lake Michigan Charter Fishing Industries
Presentation Type
Oral and/or Visual Presentation
Presenter Major(s)
Natural Resource Management
Mentor Information
C. Griffin
Department
Biology
Location
Kirkhof Center 1142
Start Date
10-4-2013 12:00 AM
End Date
10-4-2013 12:00 AM
Abstract
Invasive species create multiple issues within an ecosystem. Disruption of food webs, degradation of habitats, and lower species diversity are just a few examples. The presence of Quagga and Zebra mussels, both invasive species, has contributed to a shift in bottom lake productivity in Lake Michigan. Because of this shift, the important predator-prey relationship between alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) has been jeopardized. Alewife is another non-native species; however stable populations of this prey fish are crucial to supporting sustainable harvests of stocked and natural populations of Chinook salmon. The future success of a multi-million dollar sport fishery that has evolved from this predator-prey relationship is now threatened. A literature review of the Lake Michigan ecosystem will help to determine options for the future of charter fishing industries in Lake Michigan.
The Future of Lake Michigan Charter Fishing Industries
Kirkhof Center 1142
Invasive species create multiple issues within an ecosystem. Disruption of food webs, degradation of habitats, and lower species diversity are just a few examples. The presence of Quagga and Zebra mussels, both invasive species, has contributed to a shift in bottom lake productivity in Lake Michigan. Because of this shift, the important predator-prey relationship between alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) has been jeopardized. Alewife is another non-native species; however stable populations of this prey fish are crucial to supporting sustainable harvests of stocked and natural populations of Chinook salmon. The future success of a multi-million dollar sport fishery that has evolved from this predator-prey relationship is now threatened. A literature review of the Lake Michigan ecosystem will help to determine options for the future of charter fishing industries in Lake Michigan.