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In a bid to restore biodiversity and boost low fish populations in the Rogue River, Michigan, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has introduced 22,600 Eagle Lake rainbow trout into the water. The fish were bred at the Oden State Fish Hatchery, where some were prompted to spawn 16 weeks early by manipulating their exposure to sunlight. The exercise is part of a study to determine if larger fish or smaller ones have a better survival rate, with only 10% of the introduced fish expected to live long enough to be caught by fishermen.
Michigan DNR Replenishes Rogue River with Thousands of Rainbow Trout
In an exciting event in Algoma Township, Michigan, thousands of fish cascaded from a climate-controlled truck into the Rogue River, part of a statewide effort by the Michigan DNR to boost fish populations and create fishing opportunities.
Brandon Glass, a fisheries technician with the Michigan DNR, added a touch of humor to the occasion, noting the forecasted rain of trout.
The fish that tumbled into the water were 22,600 Eagle Lake rainbow trout, intended to restore biodiversity and enrich local angler experiences.
Statewide Stocking Efforts and Experiments
The Michigan DNR is conducting a fascinating experiment with the stocking. Two varieties of Eagle Lake rainbow trout were released into the river, one born earlier due to manipulation of the parents’ exposure to sunlight, explained Glass.
The hatchery induced early breeding by controlling the fish’s photoperiod, which led to the trout breeding 16 weeks earlier than normal. The experiment aims to compare the survival rate of these larger, early-born trout to their standard counterparts.
Despite the high number of fish released, Glass estimates that only about 10% of them will survive to be caught by fishermen. If the early-born trout show a higher survival rate, it may influence future stocking methods in Michigan’s freshwater lakes and rivers.
Fishing Enthusiasts Can Learn More: Where, why and how the DNR stocks and rears fish
Michigan DNR annually stocks over 20 million fish, including steelhead, lake sturgeon, and salmon. The crews travel well over 100,000 miles from March to early June, ensuring vibrant fishing opportunities in Michigan’s waters.
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