Great Lakes Fisheries/Trophic Change
Understanding the changing biology of the Great Lakes is critical for successful fishery management. Michigan Sea Grant works to develop and disseminate research-based information to anticipate ecosystem changes and aid in resource decision-making.

Fisheries Modeling
Many fisheries management decisions, particularly those related to stocking and allocation, are based upon sophisticated computer models. Michigan Sea Grant researchers, led by Jim Bence at Michigan State University, are testing the effectiveness of state-of-the-art, statistical catch-age models in predicting fisheries population changes in Lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior.

Bence and his team have led a workshop on Model Builder software in 2002 for the National Marine Fisheries Society at the Northwest Fishery Science Center in Seattle, Washington. In the Great Lakes, resource agencies use this fisheries modeling data to predict top predator and prey populations—knowledge that significantly affects management decisions.

Satellite Technology
Using remotely-sensed imagery, researchers led by Judy Budd at Michigan Technological University are enhancing our understanding of the physical and biological processes taking place in Lake Superior. The research is part of ongoing field studies for KITES (Keweenaw Interdisciplinary Transport Experiment in Superior) and EEGLE (Episodic Events-Great Lakes Experiment) in southern Lake Michigan.

Preliminary project results have shown how large lake processes impact seasonal nutrient levels and aquatic food-web dynamics. These factors can affect the population and distribution of important commercial and recreational fish species in the Great Lakes.

Regional Fisheries Meetings
Communicating fisheries news to stakeholders is an important part of Michigan Sea Grant activities. In 2002, Extension staff conducted regional fisheries meetings in several locations around the state, bringing together diverse stakeholders and management representatives. For example, seventy-five participants attended a single event at Cabela’s in southeastern Michigan in April 2002, learning the status of Lake Erie water levels, exotic species and sportfishing.

Fisheries Leadership Institute
Plans for the first annual Great Lakes Fisheries Leadership Institute emerged in 2002. The goal of the certificate program is to provide citizen fisheries leaders with the knowledge and skills to interact effectively with Great Lakes fishery management organizations for the benefit of the fishery and its stakeholders.
The Institute will promote an awareness of the economic importance of Great Lakes fisheries; create a network of experts from a variety of backgrounds; and enhance understanding of the complexities of Great Lakes fishery-related institutional arrangements, history and science.

Don’t Get Trapped!
To enhance boating safety on the Great Lakes, Michigan Sea Grant produced and distributed more than 700 copies of the brochure Don’t Get Trapped! What Recreational Anglers and Boaters Should Know About Commercial Fishing Trap Nets. The full-color brochure, produced in partnership with Michigan’s boating and fishing organizations, provides practical tips on how to identify and avoid commercial fishing trap nets.

Web of Life
A special issue of Upwellings in Summer 2002 was devoted to Great Lakes fishery issues, explaining the ecological effects of changing food web dynamics, potential causes and current research.