Understanding spatial and temporal movement patterns of Lake Erie Lake Whitefish

LEWHF

December 2015 - December 2023

The Lake Whitefish population in Lake Erie historically supported a large commercial fishery throughout the lake. Recently, harvest levels have declined dramatically and concern about the long-term sustainability of this population and fishery exists with the management agencies. Aggregations of gravid, flowing Lake Whitefish (i.e., males and females) are annually harvested in the western basin of Lake Erie near the mouth of the Maumee River and western basin reef complex. However, it is unclear if these fish spawn in the vicinity or are moving through these areas and spawn elsewhere. Additionally, aside from fishery-dependent harvest monitoring and catches in population assessment surveys little information exists regarding the spatial and temporal movement pattern of these fish within Lake Erie and connecting waters. The purpose of this study is to develop an understanding of spawning and post-spawning movement patterns of Lake Whitefish that migrate to the western basin of Lake Erie to spawn. Spatial and temporal patterns of exploitation and survival may support Lake Whitefish assessment modeling efforts for informing management decisions.

• To determine if Lake Whitefish aggregating near the mouth of Maumee Bay and the Ontario western basin reef complex are spawning near these areas or are in the process of migrating to other known spawning locales (e.g., the Detroit River, Goodyear et al. 1982).
• Determine if Lake Whitefish distribution during periods of thermal stratification (i.e., during the summer months) is restricted to the central and eastern basins of Lake Erie where suitable habitat (i.e., with respect to water temperature and dissolved oxygen requirements) may exist.

• Matthew Faust (Ohio Department of Natural Resources) - matthew.faust@dnr.state.oh.us
• Andy Cook (Ontario Ministry Of Natural Resources And Forestry)
• Justin Chiotti (United States Fish And Wildlife Service)
• James Boase (United States Fish And Wildlife Service)
• Edward Roseman (United States Geological Survey)
• Chris Vandergoot (Michigan State University)

• Ohio Department of Natural Resources
• United States Geological Survey
• United States Fish and Wildlife Service
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

• Great Lakes Fishery Commission
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
• United States Geological Survey
• United States Fish and Wildlife Service