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Fishes of Lake Michigan. Focusing on the native species with a sprinkling of invasives. The History of the Lake. The Great Lakes system is said to be home to about 150 native species of fish Lake Michigan is named after the Ojibwa word, mishigami , ( It means, large lake)
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Fishes of Lake Michigan Focusing on the native species with a sprinkling of invasives
The History of the Lake • The Great Lakes system is said to be home to about 150 native species of fish • Lake Michigan is named after the Ojibwa word, mishigami, (It means, large lake) • A little over 50 years ago various non-native salmon and trout species were introduced into the lake to increase sport fishing in the lakes
History of the Lake • Native species have had to battle intentional and unintentional invasive species. • Chinook Salmon (intentional) • Zebra and Quagga Mussels (unintentional) • Sea Lamprey (unintentional) • Round Goby (unintentional) • The Ruffe (unintentional) • Many of these species are highly aggressive and fast growing, out competing the young of the native fish.
Native Fishes of The Lake • You will be responsible for being able to identify a variety of our native species here in Lake Michigan.
The newest threat…Asian Carp • Each of these organizations is working to prevent the Asian Carp from entering the lakes. • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • EPA • State of Illinois • International Joint Commission • Great Lakes Fishery Commission • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Asian Carp • Is not actually one fish but a combination of 4 different species: • Bighead Carp • Silver Carp • Black Carp • Grass Carp
Big Head Carp Video