GLATOS

Western Basin Lake Erie Northern Pike

Project Title

Fine scale spawning habitat selection of Northern Pike in the Western Basin of Lake Erie

Project Code

LENOP

Project Duration

March 2019 - July 2022

Project Description

Recent restoration effort within Lake Erie has aimed at increasing wetland connectivity and abundance throughout the western basin. Northern Pike are often explicitly mention in restoration proposals. However, it is unknown to what degree these newfound habitats actually are suitable. Additionally, environmental factors such as early spring seiches may play a role in year class strength of Northern Pike.

Objectives

Use acoustic telemetry to determine spawning locations and guide egg sampling for Northern Pike
Generate an egg depth distribution regression from egg sampling in locations determined through telemetry
Assess de-watering risk related to egg distribution as a function of depth and seiche activity observed within the coastal wetlands.

Investigators

Nate Stott (Bowling Green State University) - stottnd@bgsu.edu
Jeffrey Miner (Bowling Green State University)
Matthew Faust (Ohio Department Of Natural Resources)
Chris Vandergoot (Michigan State University)