Examine resident and coaster brook trout response to exotic salmonid removal in Sevenmmile Creek and conduct stream creel survey at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

GLNF CESU Project #: NMU-NPS-02
TA# J6320080003
Partners: Northern Michigan University and the National Park Service
Project Contact: Jill B. K. Leonard (jileonar@nmu.edu)
Agency Contact: Lora Loope (lora_loope@nps.gov)
Project Funding: $122,093 FY08
Project Dates: 05/12/2008 - 12/31/2010
Project Abstract: This three year study will evaluate the effect of nonnative species of salmonid fishes, particularly steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and coho salmon (O. kisutch), on the population dynamics of native stream-resident and coaster brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and assess fishing pressure on streams in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (PIRO), Alger County, Michigan.  Coaster brook trout are an endemic, migratory form of brook trout that are of conservation interest throughout the Lake Superior watershed and that represent an important historical and ecological member of the Great Lakes ecosystem and culture.  We propose to manually remove exotic salmonid species from Sevenmile Creek and monitor changes in brook trout population size, life stage abundance, fish distribution within the stream, growth, and proportion of the population that migrates to Lake Superior.  These data will be compared with an existing pre-removal dataset and also with a nearby unmanipulated stream system.  The project makes use of already installed telemetry equipment as well as a long-standing collaborative relationship with Northern Michigan University. A creel survey (PMIS#112517) will quantify fishing pressure on streams at PIRO for the first time.   Anticipated outcomes include a basic understanding of the dynamics between native and exotic species in the system which can be applied to ongoing management issues at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.  In addition, several reports, M.S. theses, and peer-reviewed publications are anticipated which will be of use to the broader scientific community, other NPS units, and the Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring Network.