LANSING — Fisheries surveys conducted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources provide essential data used to manage fish populations, protect aquatic habitats and support recreational fishing opportunities across the state.
The DNR uses several types of fisheries surveys to monitor Michigan’s lakes and streams. In coldwater systems, such as trout streams, surveys are conducted annually to estimate fish population abundance and collect habitat data. In warmer waters, including streams that support species such as smallmouth bass, fish population abundance is estimated and in-stream habitat information is collected on a three-year rotation.
The department also conducts random site surveys designed to provide a snapshot of fish species present in a waterbody and their relative abundance.
About half of the DNR’s annual survey effort is devoted to discretionary surveys, which are conducted to answer specific management questions or address concerns raised by local fisheries biologists, angling groups or lake associations. These surveys may also be used to evaluate habitat suitability for threatened and endangered fish species.
Information collected during surveys helps fisheries managers make informed decisions about stocking, habitat improvements, invasive species detection and other management actions.
“Under our current funding level, an inland lake in Michigan is likely to be surveyed only once every 90 years,” said DNR Fisheries Division Chief Randy Claramunt. “This affects our ability to deliver on our public trust responsibilities to Michiganders and needs to be addressed.”
According to the DNR, the ability to consistently conduct fisheries surveys depends on sufficient and sustainable long-term funding. Funding shortfalls threaten to reduce survey efforts and other critical fisheries management activities.
The survey data benefits not only the DNR, but also anglers, conservation organizations and communities that rely on healthy aquatic ecosystems.
“Fisheries managers use the information resulting from all types of surveys to strategize actions, detect early indicators of invasive species, recognize developing threats to fish and habitat health, and much more,” said DNR fisheries biologist Neal Francis. “Anglers rely on information from these surveys when planning fishing trips, and a number of partners depend on survey findings to inform strategic efforts such as habitat protections. Healthy, high-quality aquatic ecosystems and waters benefit everyone.”
Residents interested in learning more about fisheries surveys in their area can contact their local DNR fisheries management unit. Survey results from major fisheries studies are available through the department’s Status of the Fishery Resource Reports, which provide information on Michigan lakes and rivers.
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