As a part of ongoing efforts among National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the boating and fishing community to bolster awareness for the National Park Serviceï¿½s Proposed General Management Plan to close nearly 20 percent of boating and fishing access in Biscayne National Park, Florida Senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio signed a joint letter expressing concern to Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar. In the letter, the Senators note that the proposed ï¿½marine reserveï¿½ as well as several ï¿½non-combustion zonesï¿½ would halt fishing and boating in the area and substantially diminish the contribution boating and fishing make on Floridaï¿½s economy. NMMA estimates that the recreational boating industry in Florida accounts for over $4.8 billion dollars and more than 45,000 jobs.

The letter is yet another piece of a continuing discussion amongst Members of Congress, National Park leadership, state officials and fishing and boating advocates. NMMA continues to work on this issue and was on hand for a April 27 oversight hearing by the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands titled ï¿½Access Denied: Turning Away Visitors to National Parks.ï¿½ Access issues at two popular national parks, Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area, N.C. and Biscayne National Park, Fla., were discussed in detail by the subcommittee. Reps. David Rivera (R-Fla.), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) and Ileana

Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) were on hand as well to discuss the severe restrictions faced by the recreational fishing and boating community in Florida.

The Park Serviceï¿½s proposed plan for Biscayne National Park would close more than 10,500 acres of the parkï¿½s most popular and productive fishing areas. The Fishery Management Plan Stakeholder Working Group and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have provided detailed recommendations to the National Park Service including for consideration that include less restrictive management tools. These tools, backed by sounds science, can rebuild the parkï¿½s fisheries resources and protect habitat. NMMA, along with its boating and fishing coalition partners, urges the National Park Service to reconsider a marine reserve for Biscayne National Park, and instead address this option, along with several other less restrictive management tools in collaboration with FWC in a Fisheries Management Plan.

NMMA President Thom Dammrich says, ï¿½Boating and fishing in our National Parks is an American pastime and access to these waterways is essential to the publicï¿½s ability to enjoy t these natural treasures. Boating and fishing are an essential part of Floridaï¿½s economy and a major contributor to encouraging the community to enjoy the outdoors. NMMA will continue to work towards a solution with the National Park Service on this important issue.ï¿½

New Gander Mountain coming to Florence, Ala.

Popular outdoors retailer adds second Alabama store and 117^th nationwide

Gander Mountain, the nationï¿½s largest retail network of outdoors specialty stores, announced that in addition to great fishing, hunting, camping and hiking, outdoors enthusiasts in The Shoals of northwest Alabama have one more great attraction coming to the neighborhood. Construction has begun on the stateï¿½s second Gander Mountain retail store, which is expected to open in fall 2012.

The 45,000-square-foot store will located at 340 Seville Street in Florence, Ala. The exterior design and interior layout will reflect Gander Mountainï¿½s new store prototype, featuring innovative interior design, displays and fixtures.

ï¿½Weï¿½re excited to bring Gander Mountainï¿½s thousands of products and great customer service to Florence and to folks in The Shoals and the surrounding region,ï¿½ said David Pratt, CEO of Gander Mountain. ï¿½Our new neighborsï¿½ passion for the outdoors and active living will be a perfect match with our ï¿½We Live Outdoorsï¿½ culture.ï¿½

The new Gander Mountain store will feature one of the largest selections of new and used firearms in Alabama, together with the best selection of gear and accessories for hunting, fishing, camping, boating and archery. The store will offer an extensive selection of menï¿½s and womenï¿½s active outdoor and casual apparel featuring exciting brands like The North Face, Columbia, GSX, Mountain Hardwear, Under Armour, Carhartt, KAVU, Marmot and Kuhl, and a wide variety of menï¿½s and womenï¿½s active footwear featuring brands like Merrell, Rocky, Keen, Irish Setter, Teva, New Balance, Brooks, Patagonia, Timberland, LaCrosse, Itasca, Saucony and Salomon.

Additional details on special events, activities and promotions that will be a part of the new Florence store grand opening celebration will be available this summer at www.gandermountain.com. Florence is the third announced location in a seven-store expansion. New Gander Mountain stores in Valdosta, Ga., and Morrisville, N.C., will open in 2012 with other new store locations to be announced soon.

Misc New Fishing-Boating Products

Berkley Superline Shears and Fishing

Multi-Tool

Serrated blades are sharp and will face any challenge posed by all types of fishing lines, especially braided lines. The durable blades are made of stainless steel to prevent corrosion and the handles are molded for utmost comfort on the thumb and finger. The small, compact design is ideal for easy storage and retrieval from a tackle box or pocket.

Multi-tools are just another piece of hardware unless they are specifically designed for fishing, like the new Berkley Fishing Multi-Tool. The Fishing Multi-Tool is designed specifically for the angler with 14 total tools.

Besides the spring-loaded needlenose pliers, the Multi-Tool includes wire cutters, hook file with v-groove, jig-eye cleaner, crankbait tuner, 2-inch ruler, scissors, fish scaler, hook remover, Phillips head screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, can opener, bottle opener and knife.

For easy storage the Fishing Multi-Tool folds into itself for a compact profile for storage in the sheath included with the tool. Stainless steel components are corrosion resistant. The attractive Berkley red non-slip handles are spring loaded for easy one hand use and comfortable to grip and efficiently stores all the tools within.

Shears cut all fishing lines including monofilament,

Fluorocarbon and Super braids

Features Include:

Compact

Stainless Steel

Serrated Blades

About $ 4.99

800-237-5539 [email protected]

www.berkley-fishing.com/

Classics Fishing Multi-Tool

Designed for the needs of every angler

Features Include:

14 Tools

Stainless Steel

Spring loaded Pliers

Sheath included

About $ 19.99

800-237-5539 [email protected]

www.berkley-fishing.com/

National

U.S. Army Corps to present Asian Carp Control Options by 2013

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced on May 8 that it will provide Congress and the public the opportunity to identify a potential permanent Asian carp solution in 2013, much earlier than expected. With this important new step under its Great Lakes Mississippi River Interbasin Study, the Corps will release in late 2013 an assessment of the best options for keeping Asian carp out of the Great Lakes, including the preliminary estimated

costs and mitigation requirements for each option.

Congress requested this information in the Water Resources Development Act of 2007, which directed the Corps to evaluate the options and technologies available to prevent aquatic nuisance species such as Asian carp from transferring between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. This report will allow for public and Congressional input on which options merit more detailed project design.

House Passes Ocean Policy Amendment

U.S. Rep. Bill Flores of Texas yesterday offered an amendment to H.R. 5326 (Fiscal Year 2013 Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill) that would prohibit the use of any funds appropriated under this bill from being used to implement the National Ocean Policy established under Executive Order 13547. Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the amendment in a bipartisan 246-174 vote.

In a statement following the vote, Rep. Flores said in part that "it is imperative that we first understand the effects this policy will have on jobs as well as the vast coastal and inland economies...," adding that he was "pleased to see the passage of my amendment preventing the funding for

the National Ocean Policy, which had the potential to take
funds away from existing congressionally authorized activities critical to the ocean and coastal economies."

U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA) said in his statement that "without knowing the potential jobs and economic ramifications of the Policy, nor the amount of time, money and resources it will cost to implement, it is imperative that we halt funding so that these questions can be answered and proper Congressional oversight can be conducted."

It is anticipated that the House will vote on the full bill this week. NOPC will keep you informed of any additional developments.

Regional

Great Lakes Water Levels for May 11, 2012

WEATHER CONDITIONS

The Great Lakes basin has experienced substantial precipitation so far for the month of May, especially in the Michigan-Huron, Erie and Ontario basins. Temperatures were near seasonal averages across the region this past week. Pleasant weather and seasonal temperatures are expected in the Great Lakes basin this weekend, with a few scattered showers and thunderstorms possible in parts of the basin.

LAKE LEVEL CONDITIONS

Lake Superior is 1 inch higher than it was last year and Lake Michigan-Huron is at its level of a year ago. Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are 2, 4, and 9 inches, respectively, lower than a year ago. Over the next month, Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are forecasted to rise 3 and 2 inches, respectively, from their current levels. The water levels of Lakes St. Clair and Erie are both expected to fall 1 inch, while the level of Lake Ontario is expected to rise 1 inch over the next thirty days.

FORECASTED MONTHLY OUTFLOWS/CHANNEL CONDITIONS

Lake Superior's outflow through the St. Marys River is projected to be below average for the month of May. Lake Huron's outflow into the St. Clair River and the outflow from Lake St. Clair into the Detroit River are expected to be below average throughout the month of May. Lake Erie's

outflow through the Niagara River is forecasted to be above

average and the outflow of Lake Ontario into the St. Lawrence River is predicted to be below average in May.

ALERTS

The water level of Lake Superior is below chart datum and is forecasted to remain below chart datum through July. Users of the Great Lakes, connecting channels and St. Lawrence River should keep informed of current conditions before undertaking any activities that could be affected by changing water levels. Mariners should utilize navigation charts and refer to current water level readings.

	Superior	Mich-Huron	St. Clair	Erie	Ontario
Level for Aug 4	600.56	577.62	574.15	571.82	245.83
Datum, in ft	601.10	577.50	572.30	569.20	243.30
Diff in inches	-6	+1	+22	+31	+30
Diff last month	+2	+2	+1	-1	0
Diff from last yr	+1	0	-2	-4	-9

General

Earbones Accurately Record a Fishï¿½s Life Travels

Studying the earbones of trout can reveal their lifetime movements in a large river system, according to a study released in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. Scientists correlated the natural variation in strontium isotopes found in stream waters against those recorded in otoliths (earbones) of westslope cutthroat trout to examine fish movements during their lifetime.

This study was the first to show that the use of isotopes in water and earbones accurately assesses movement of trout wholly within a freshwater system. The research was conducted by scientists from the U.S. Geological Surveyï¿½s Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Montana State University, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

"It worked so well! The values in the water matched those in the otoliths, which grow like rings in a tree," said Clint Muhlfeld, USGS scientist and lead author of the study. "As fish grow and move into new environments, the otoliths record that information and we matched that with stream statistics to reconstruct the entire life cycle of a fish."

The study provides a reliable method that compliments traditional fish tracking techniques. This research may allow biologists to investigate non-native species invasions, identify important populations, and quantify life histories of freshwater fishes in river networks.

"All life is literally a product of its chemical environment, and there is no more dramatic demonstration of that fact than the ability to retrace the life history of fish from the variations in the chemicals deposited in their ear bones as they grow and migrate through space and time," explained USGS Director Marcia McNutt. "As this technique has

already proven its scientific value in understanding the movement of fish in the marine environment and those which migrate from freshwater streams to the ocean, it is truly an achievement that could inspire 'CSI'."

Westslope cutthroat trout are an important native fish species in western North America where their populations have declined because of factors including habitat destruction, fragmentation and non-native species. These fish make extensive migrations among spawning, growth and refuge habitats, yet conventional tracking techniques have not been able to unravel the extent of their movements. Knowing exactly what habitat the fish use during each life stage is an important component to understanding their ecology and, in turn, more effectively managing this important species.

"This approach could be very useful in understanding life history strategies and conservation needs of freshwater fishes worldwide," said Muhlfeld. "Biologists are typically limited to examining movements of fish at checkpoints throughout their lives or over small periods of time. This approach allows examination of a fishï¿½s entire life with significant accuracy."

The study provides a reliable method that compliments traditional fish tracking techniques and may allow biologists to investigate non-native species invasions, identify important populations, and quantify life histories of freshwater fishes in river networks. The article, "Estimating westslope cutthroat trout movements in a river network using strontium isoscapes," can be viewed online.

More information about this study can be found on the USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center website.

Armed Citizen Alliance: Outreach Organization for New Gun Owners

The Armed Citizen Alliance was just recently formed. The Armed Citizen Alliance (ACA) provides an avenue for ordinary citizens to practice, train, and become familiar with the use of concealed carry handguns and other personal defense firearms in an organized recreational context that simulates real-world situations.

The ACA is the only national organization created for the sole purpose of assisting ordinary American citizens in preparing themselves for the responsibilities of armed personal and home defense. It is supported by a broad-based nationwide coalition of companies and organizations from the shooting sports and firearms community.

The ACA has two core missions. The first is to provide the overall concealed-carry and personal-defense community and industry with an organization and a program to which personal-defense firearms customers can turn as their "first-contact" point for practice and familiarization.

The second, and equally important, mission is to offer an attractive and easily accessible program to "draw in" new and inexperienced purchasers of concealed-carry and personal-defense firearms through which they can become familiar with their personal- and home-defense firearms while having fun doing it. Learn more about the ACA at armedcitizenalliance.com.

2nd Amendment Issues

Armed Citizen Alliance: Outreach Organization for New Gun Owners

Indiana

Walleyes remain abundant in Sylvan Lake

Walleyes remain so abundant at Sylvan Lake in Noble County that the DNR is again scaling back walleye stocking there. The move will allow the DNR to devote more walleye fingerlings to Lake Maxinkuckee in Marshall County.

ï¿½Given the high number of walleyes now present in Sylvan Lake, we think we can make better use of walleye fingerlings without affecting the quality of walleye fishing at Sylvan,ï¿½ said Jed Pearson, fisheries biologist for DNRï¿½s Division of Fish & Wildlife. This year is the second time since 2009 the DNR has reduced walleye stocking at 669-acre Sylvan Lake. Even so, Sylvan continues to support one of the densest walleye populations in Indiana.

Using an electro-fishing boat, DNR biologists captured 100

age-1-and-older walleyes per hour of sampling last fall. The catch rate was the highest ever recorded in the state for

walleyes and rivaled the number of largemouth bass typically found in Indiana lakes. The biggest walleye sampled was 24 inches, and 36 percent measured at least 14 inches, the minimum size for anglers to keep walleyes in Indiana.

The DNR began stocking walleye fingerlings at Sylvan in 2001 at about 13,000 fingerlings each year. In 2009, biologists cut the number to 10,000 walleyes per year due to concerns of over-stocking and signs of slowing growth. ï¿½Even though we are now stocking fewer walleyes in Sylvan, there are more in the lake than ever before,ï¿½ Pearson said. Biologists will cut the number of walleyes stocked at Sylvan by another 25 % in 2012.

Additional trout releases scheduled for five streams

Anglers can enjoy extended trout fishing this spring on five northern Indiana streams thanks to additional stockings from the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife.

The five streams are Pigeon River in Steuben and LaGrange counties, Turkey Creek in LaGrange County, Little Elkhart River in Elkhart County, Little Kankakee River in LaPorte County and Potato Creek in St. Joseph County.

Pigeon River, Turkey Creek and Little Elkhart River will be stocked for the weekends of May 12-13 and May 26-27, Memorial Day weekend.

Little Kankakee River and Potato Creek will be stocked only for Memorial Day weekend.

DNR will stock Pigeon River at Steuben County Road 175 North and at County Line Road. Turkey Creek will be stocked at LaGrange County Road 150 North. These

locations are in Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area.

DNR will stock Little Elkhart River at Bonneyville Mill County Park.

DNR will stock Little Kankakee River at LaPorte County Road 100 South and State Road 4.

Potato Creek will be stocked in Potato Creek State Park near the paved bicycle trail creek crossing. Parking is available at the West lot. Anglers targeting trout in Potato Creek must hike or bike about one mile along the bicycle trail to get to the fish, but will be rewarded with unrestricted access along a naturally scenic stream.

Although these streams are the only to receive additional trout in May, fish from the initial releases in late April are still available in most of northern Indianaï¿½s trout streams. For a list of all 2012 trout stocking locations visit www.dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/3622.htm www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3622.htm

Mourdock wins in the Indiana U.S. Senate Primary Election

Tea party favorite topples Indianaï¿½s 6-term senator

Richard Mourdock has won the Republican primary election for U.S. Senate in Indiana defeating 36-year incumbent, Sen. Richard Lugar.

Since the 1990s, Lugar has become notorious for his zealous support of gun control schemes and his fervent anti-gun positions.

The NRA was fully vested in this race with a comprehensive campaign that encompassed thousands of

radio and television ads in the months before the today's

primary election. This effort also included 600,000 web ads. The media campaign was also supplemented by a concentrated advocacy and get-out-the-vote phone and mail program. All in all, nearly 500,000 phone calls were made and nearly 700,000 pieces of mail were sent in this remarkable victory for freedom.

Long considered a moderate, Lugar was one of only a handful of Republicans to vote to confirm Obama's two appointments to the Supreme Court, and voted for the automaker bailout and tax hikes over his six terms. For more information: www.nrapvf.org/elect-mourdock.aspx.

Family Fishing Facilitator workshop, Paynetown SRA, May 25

Anglers interested in growing their sport can learn how at the Family Fishing Facilitator workshop, May 25, at Paynetown State Recreation Area. The Family Fishing Facilitator (3F) workshop teaches how to introduce people to fishing and ways to volunteer with child or family fishing programs. It also provides strategies, activities and materials to coordinate a successful family fishing program or expand an existing fishing event.

The 3F workshop is from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The workshop is free, but registration is required by May 23. To register, email your name and phone number to [email protected] or call (317) 562-1338.

The workshop will be led by Clint Kowalik, the Go FishIN coordinator. Workshop participants will be eligible to receive free fishing equipment for use at family and child fishing programs. Monroe Lake is at 4850 South State Road 446, Bloomington, 47401.

Michigan

Elk and bear license application period now open

The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters to apply for their Michigan elk and bear hunting licenses now through June 1. Hunters may apply online at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings or at any retail license agent.

There are 200 elk licenses available for the 2012 hunting season, divided evenly between hunts in August/September and December. The August/September hunt is designed to target elk outside the primary elk range before these elk move for the breeding season. The December hunt will occur in the core elk range and also allows additional harvest outside the core area.

Only Michigan residents are eligible to apply for an elk license. This includes qualified military personnel and full-time students attending a Michigan college or university who reside in the state during the school year.

A total of 7,991 bear licenses are available, about 32 percent fewer than in 2011. License quotas have been reduced in response to new survey data which indicate the state's bear populations have declined. Lower license quotas should stabilize populations in upcoming years.

If bear licenses remain after the drawing, one leftover license (per person) may be obtained on a first-come, first-served basis in July until the quota is met in each hunt period. There is no guarantee that leftover licenses will be available for any hunt unit or hunt period.

All commercial hunting guides utilizing state-managed lands in 2012 must receive written authorization. Guides are required to meet the conditions of the written authorization. If you are a guide who utilizes state-managed lands, please visit the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/statelandpermission for more information.

Hunters are also encouraged to apply for the 2012 Pure Michigan Hunt to increase their odds of getting a bear and elk license. Three lucky winners will receive a hunt package that includes a bear and elk license. Applying for the Pure Michigan Hunt will not affect the hunterï¿½s preference points or weighted chances. Hunters can apply as many times as they like at www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt.

Minnesota

Lake Waconia shines but proves elusive on opening day

Roughly 45 minutes west of the tall towers and busy streets of downtown Minneapolis lies a gem of a lake where, on May 12, Gov. Mark Dayton again sought Minnesota's favorite fish for the walleye opener. Chances were good he would succeed, but it was not to be. He did catch a crappie early that morning before his 10 AM shore press conference and a busy agenda that required him back to the office.

Lt. Governor Yvonne Solon was more productive since she chose to go out shortly after midnight, even though a cold front had moved in a few hours earlier. Solonï¿½s guide put her info fish and she landed a 19" walleye about 12:30 AM offshore in about 16' of water on a jig and fathead minnow. Weï¿½re not too sure what it proved in the way of skills considering the Governor could only manage a small crappie after 3 ï¿½ hours of fishing. It did prove to be one of the few walleyes caught that day, even though graphs showed many of the elusive fish the 12 - 15' range. The day did produce many nice northern pike and even some big largemouth bass even though they were not in season yet.

At 3,000 acres, Lake Waconia is one of the largest lakes in the seven-county metro region, second only to Lake Minnetonka. But it's second to none in terms of the quality and variety of angling experiences it offers. Much of that is the result of DNR fish management efforts. "Waconia is a great walleye lake," said Brad Parsons, DNR regional fisheries manager. "Currently, walleye abundance is 1.5 to

2 times higher than Minnetonka, White Bear and Forest
lakes."

While many metro lakes are stocked every other year, Waconia receives walleye every year as part of a study to compare returns on stocking of walleye fingerlings versus cheaper walleye fry. Generally, walleye fry ï¿½ recently hatched fish that are about one-third of an inch ï¿½ are stocked three out of four years, and fingerlings are stocked the fourth year. This spring, the DNR stocked about 830,000 fry. In 2011, 38,411 fingerlings were added to Waconia. Over the past 11 years, the DNR has stocked nearly 2 million walleye fry and fingerlings into Waconia, as well as nearly 6,000 muskellunge.

That stocking regime has resulted in good numbers of catchable size fish. Waconia has a minimum walleye size limit of 16 inches. Fisheries surveys indicate an average walleye size of about 19 inches and 2.5 pounds. Anglers visiting Waconia for the first time might explore some of the reefs in the north and west portions of the lake, as well as the area around Coney Island. The lake is also a good bet for catching northern pike and, after May 26, largemouth bass are available for harvest, too.

Waconia also provides a quality muskellunge fishery. Muskellunge are stocked every other year, and 50-inchers are not uncommon. The muskellunge season opens June 2. Access to Lake Waconia includes a public boat ramp on the east side of the lake, a private marina on the south end in the city of Waconia, and a fishing pier at Cedar Point Park.

Radio tagged loons returning to Minnesota from migration

Unseasonably warm weather has brought loons back to Minnesota almost three weeks earlier than usual. At least six of the 29 loons that have had radio and satellite telemetry devices placed in them by researchers have returned to their breeding lakes in Minnesota as of April 11, according to the Minnesota DNR. One of the loons, known as "M2," returned to Big Mantrap Lake in northern Minnesota March 29.

"This is a very exciting time in science exploration," said Carrol Henderson, supervisor of the DNR's Nongame Wildlife Program. "We have been able to learn more about our fabulous state bird than we have ever known before." During the last two years, the loons were equipped with satellite transmitters in an effort to study their migratory movements and foraging patterns while migrating.

Most of the loons that are part of this research project left Minnesota in October and spent about a month on Lake Michigan before departing for the Gulf of Mexico in early December.

"Before using the technology of these devices, scientists had no idea that most Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan loons 'stage' on Lake Michigan together before flying south to the gulf," Henderson said. The satellite transmitters send a signal about every other day that allows researchers to see exactly where the loons are during their travels around the country.

The project is being done by the Minnesota DNR's Nongame Wildlife Program in cooperation with scientists from the United States Geological Survey and the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center in La Crosse, Wis. Donations to the Nongame Wildlife fund on Minnesota tax forms helped to fund this project. Funding for the project also comes from the Minnesota Natural Resource's Trust Fund.

For more info: www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/nongame/projects/mlmp

_state.html.

Ohio

Surplus Trout stocked at Punderson Lake

Rainbow trout were stocked at Punderson Lake in Geauga County on May 10th. These were surplus "catchable-sized" fish resulting from the annual, statewide, spring stocking efforts. Approximately 2,000 trout ranging from 10 to 13-inches or about a pound each were stocked at the state park campground.

Fishing at Punderson Lake is open to people of all ages. The daily bag limit is five trout per angler with no size limits. No snagging is allowed; snagged fish must be

released immediately. For anglers ages 16 and older, an Ohio fishing license is required and can be purchased at one of many area license dealers or the Wildlife District Three office. The annual resident license cost $19.00. A one-day fishing license costs $11.00. Please be aware that Punderson Lake allows electric motors only for boating anglers.

For more information on fishing for trout: www.wildohio.com or call Wildlife District Three at (330) 644-2293.

Wisconsin

Helping musky find their way back to Green Bay

GREEN BAY ï¿½When state fisheries staff hit the water last week in search of Great Lakes spotted muskellunge, they werenï¿½t sure how many they would find in their nets along the bank of the Fox River just south of Green Bay. It didnï¿½t take long for them to realize they hit the jackpot.

DNR collect musky which made their way into the nets

It took several hours on a sunny but windy day to handle 44 musky, some as large as 51.5" long and weighing as much as 37.5 lbs.

DNR staff harvesting eggs from a female musky

DNR staff captured all the musky in four fyke nets set out the day before. Biologists worked quickly to gather data, sometimes taking a powerful tail slap in the process. ï¿½These fish are fighters,ï¿½ noted Steve Hogler, senior DNR fisheries biologist. Each fish is weighed,

measured and tagged. Biologists took a genetic sample

and blood sample to check for viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) disease, and eggs and milt are harvested from as many fish as they could.

ï¿½A lot of what we are able to do in a day comes down to timing,ï¿½ Hogler said. ï¿½Are the fish spawning? How many of them are in the nets and how many females are at a point where we can safely harvest their eggs?ï¿½ On this day, four females provided approximately three quarts of eggs. Those eggs were then fertilized with milt from more than two dozen males to maintain diversity in the genetic pool.

ï¿½Seeing the musky, and the size of some of them, is satisfying. Two decades ago, you couldnï¿½t find these fish here but with the help of musky clubs, weï¿½re bringing them back,ï¿½ Hogler said.

The fertilized eggs are now at the Besadny Fish Facility in Kewaunee where they will be raised to be approximately a foot long. DNR hopes to stock 3,000 fingerlings this fall at a several sites around Green Bay. Last year, 5,242 fish were raised and released.

Other Breaking News Items

(Click on title or URL to read full article)

When smelt come, buckets come out along Lake Superior
Lake Superior seems unready to return smelt to prominence. Lampreys have been controlled, lake trout have recovered, and Pacific salmon numbers have increased, a trifecta of problems for the lake's smaller fish, which now, increasingly, are eaten by bigger fish.

More than 200 ships met their ends at the bottom of Lake Michigan off Indiana
There are about 5,000 shipwrecks in the Great Lakes. That is more shipwrecks than in the Bermuda Triangle. Between 100 and 200 met their graves in the deep off of Indiana, at the bottom of Lake Michigan.

Big report on Asian carp put off until after options are released by 2013
Instead of unveiling a detailed proposal in about three years, the Corps will draft several alternatives by the end of 2013 and seek reaction from Congress and the public.

MN invasive species fines soon will double
Those possessing or transporting prohibited invasive animals, such as zebra mussels, could be fined $500

Lake Erie island will lack ferry service for weeks

Pelee Island, which has been stranded for weeks without its two passenger ferries, will have to wait until at least the end of May before the boats are running again.

31st Street Harbor makes waves on Chicago's south lakefront; $103 million facility gives once-neglected area a welcome lift
The 31st Street Harbor reflects the civic ambition of Chicago's failed bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. At one point, it was proposed as the site for Olympic sailing competitions.

New St. Clair River reefs to spur sturgeon spawning
Michigan organizations and agencies are building nine rock reefs in the Middle Channel of the St. Clair River to bolster native fish spawning and restore habitat.

Army Corps quickens Asian carp study
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, widely accused of moving too slowly to prevent Asian carp and other exotic species from invading the Great Lakes, will release a short list of possible solutions next year to quicken the process, officials said Tuesday.

Asian carp barrier had power outage
The electric barrier near Chicago designed to prevent Asian carp and other species from migrating between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River system had a 13-minute power outage last week.

The opinions expressed here are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the GLSFC, its officers or staff.

Reproduction of any material by paid-up members of the GLSFC is encouraged but appropriate credit must be given.

Reproduction by others without written permission is prohibited.

USFWS Press Releases Sea Grant News

State Fish Pages

Illinois - Indiana - Michigan - Minnesota - Ohio - Pennsylvania - New York - Wisconsin - Ontario

Home | Great Lakes States | Membership | Exotics Update | Great Links

Pending Issues | Regional News | Great Lakes Basin Report | Weekly News / Archives