The Problem
Climate change and shoreline development are affecting the natural spawing grounds of native fish. This is leading to less natural reproduction of walleye in area lakes.
Our Plan
We are continuing to partner with our local city wastewater plant and state department of natural resources to raise baby walleye. We will feed them, monitor water quality, and assist with netting them to be taken to lakes when they are big enough.
Themes Addressed
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Climate Change
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Habitat Destruction
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Responsible Consumption
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Wildlife
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The Benefit
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Animals
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Environment
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Here is how the project went:
Our project was to assist the Michigan Department of Natural Resources(DNR) in raising walleye to be planted in area lakes. We take care of the pond, monitor water quality, monitor fish health, and assist with the harvesting. We used the grant funds to purchase tables and chairs to be used during the harvest as a weighing and record keeping station. The DNR decided in June not to stock our pond with walleye until next year. They wanted us to raise fathead minnows, which are used as food for the walleye, for this season. We pivoted to minnow netting for them to take to another pond. Even though we were not able to raise walleye, we were still able to contribute by raising the minnows for food for another pond.
Through this project I/we learned:
We learned that, when in a partnership with another organization, we have to be able to adapt to changes. Their needs changed, so we needed to adapt to those changes.
What I/we might change:
This project will continue next year. We will need to bring in more adult volunteers or older teens to assist with the netting. Pulling in those heavy, large nets wasn't something the youngsters could handle.
My/our favorite part of this project was:
My personal favorite part of the project was the deep dive into biosecurity needed when moving fish between bodies of water. The fish need to have a health check done in order to prevent the spread of disease between lakes. The nets also need to be disinfected when being used in multiple ponds.
Some tips, tricks or fun facts about the project:
We will need to collect 50 minnows this fall to send to the Fisheries Department at Michigan State University for a health check. When they verify that the fish do not have any viruses or diseases, then more minnows will be taken to another walleye pond.
