TOPIC:

Great Lakes Salmon Initiative

Last night Tuesday 10/24 the Detroit Steelheaders invited the GLSI to come to Troy, Mi. to speak to their organization. We had a very warm reception, great participation and great questions. In the beginning we introduced the GLSI our Mission, Accomplishments and Goals that we want to complete in the near future. Throughout the meeting we showed bait assessments, predator biomass, predator prey consumption rates through 2016----2017 data is not available. We also spoke about the concerns we have about data collection techniques and assessments that Lake Michigan is held to for fisheries management. Also introduced Zonal Management, Lake Michigan Management Plan and Stocking Proposals for 2018/2019
Since we are Great Lake"S" (plural) Salmon Initiative several questions arose about Lake Huron. The one constant was the question why isn't Lake Huron held to the same standards, modeling and why can't they move Chinook to southern ports for angler access. I was impressed with the participation this group has in their fun tournaments they hold throughout the state and traveling from port to port. BUT several of the members are not willing or maybe able to travel 4,5 or 6hrs hauling a boat to access some of these ports and think that the DNR should be giving anglers access to other traditional, successful ports like Lexington within easier driving distance. We tend to agree and started this action on Lake Michigan to spread the wealth thru fish movement.
I would like to thank Jay Wesley for sending this information to the GLSI in a Power Point Presentation. We would like to get it out on facebook for all members and the public to review but I need some help from a computer guru to accomplish this--please contact me if you know how!!
Again I would like to thank the Detroit Steelheaders for inviting me to present this info and Jay Wesley for being open and getting the public involved to learn what future plans are. Also it is important to recognize that the GLSI was paramount in improving the communication and decision making process, transparency is key.

Great stuff Ed. I have a friend in that club, travels for most of those tournaments you mentioned. Most take place on the North West side of the state I gather from talking with him when he is traveling to the different destinations.