MILC 90 Minute Session 15 Fisheries

Lake Sturgeon are an incredibly unique resource in Michigan’s inland lakes and other waters. Growing to over seven feet long, Lake Sturgeon belong to an ancient group of fishes that evolved during the peak of the dinosaurs and when the Rocky Mountains were formed. Due to their large size, delayed maturation, and a life history that requires them to migrate in river systems to lay their eggs, Lake Sturgeon are particularly susceptible to degradation of habitats and overfishing. Yet, carefully-managed Lake Sturgeon fisheries do still exist.

This session will begin with a summary of Lake Sturgeon management in Michigan by Ed Baker, Research Station Manager at Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Next, Kim Scribner, Professor at Michigan State University, will discuss ongoing research on Lake Sturgeon both statewide and at Black Lake as well as impediments to natural recruitment. Finally, Emily Martin, DNR Fisheries Biologist and Gary Michaud, Senior Hatchery Technician at the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, will discuss Lake Sturgeon populations in Otsego Lake and Burt Lake as well as work to restore Lake Sturgeon led by the Little River Band of Odawa Indians.

Learn more about sessions at the Michigan Inland Lakes Convention here.