A fishy tale:
Hansen with lake trout, via Charles C. Krueger
In the 1800s, lake trout were abundant in Lake Superior. Then, in the early to mid 1900s…
Hansen: “… populations began to decline rapidly.”
That’s biologist Michael Hansen. He says overfishing and predatory invaders known as sea lampreys were to blame. By the time an effective way to control lampreys was discovered, the damage was done.
Commercial fisheries closed, and efforts to restock lake trout began.
Hansen: “That stocking program led to a build up of populations that then reproduced and have now become self-sustaining…”
…making lake trout plentiful again. How’s that for a superior ending?
Hear More:
Listen to Michael Hansen talk about the status of stocking efforts in each of the Great Lakes:
Get Schooled:
- Get the facts about lake trout from the USGS.
- Learn more about successful restocking efforts from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Listen to this Michigan radio broadcast about lake trout in Lake Huron.
The Fine Print:
- This segment was produced with Cornell’s Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future.
