Movements of Burbot within the St. Clair-Detroit River System (Pilot Study)

SDBUT

May 2017 - December 2020

Great Lakes Burbot (Lota lota) experienced a population collapse in the early-to-mid 1900s associated with the establishment of invasive species, over-exploitation, and habitat degradation. With the implementation of sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) control programs and declines in alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) abundance, many Great Lakes burbot populations are currently recovering. Population assessments have been conducted in the Great Lakes, though baseline information about the ecology within connecting channels is scant. Burbot in the St. Clair-Detroit River System (SCDRS), the connecting channel between lakes Huron and Erie, are showing signs of resurgence with collections of larvae, juveniles, and adults occurring in several different surveys conducted in various riverine habitats. To better understand movement patterns of burbot in the SCRDS corridor we initiated a pilot movement study during the spring of 2017. The purpose of this study is develop an understanding of the spatial and temporal movement patterns of burbot captured within the SCRDS.

• 1) To determine spatial and temporal movement patterns of burbot collected within the St. Clair- Detroit River System. 2) To determine if St. Clair- Detroit River System burbot are seasonal or year-round residents. 3) To identify important seasonal important habitats (e.g., spawning areas) for burbot within the St. Clair- Detroit River System.

• Stacey Ireland (United States Geological Survey) - sireland@usgs.gov
• Edward Roseman (United States Geological Survey)
• Chris Vandergoot (Michigan State University)