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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2009

Ashley Spratt
612-713-5314

Set Sail with the M.V. Baird

The M.V. Spencer F. Baird began stocking late trout in the Great Lakes this spring. Best known as the workhorse for Great Lakes fisheries conservation by the Service and partners, the Baird assists in native fish restoration, habitat restoration, and sea lamprey and invasive species control Lake Michigan, Huron and Superior.

During a given stocking season, the M.V. Baird will plant more than two million hatchery reared, yearling lake trout in Lake Michigan and more than one million yearling lake trout in Lake Huron. The 95 foot motorvessel helps establish self-sustaining lake trout populations, a species that was nearly wiped out in the late 1950s due to invasion of sea lampreys, overfishing and pollution.

Learn the strategy behind stocking locations, challenges on the water, and the daily happenings aboard the M.V. Baird from the captain and crew on the Midwest Region video player at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/news/.

For more information on the M.V. Baird, visit http://www.fws.gov/midwest/fisheries/Baird/.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.