> Conserving Fisheries new
> Restore Native Species
> Aquatic Invasive Species
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> Assist Refuge Fishery
> Improve Aquatic Habitat__________
Phone: 989-356-5102
Fax: 989-356-4651
Address:
145 Water St, Room 204
Alpena, MI 49707Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Fish and Habitat Assistance
Program Contact: To be determined
Volunteers roll out filter fabric during a shoreline habitat restoration project on the Ottawa NWR.
The fish control structure on the restored Metzger Marsh.
Common carp are removed in baskets from the fish control structure to prevent their destruction of vegetation in the restored Metzger Marsh.
Vegetation returned to Metzger Marsh following restoration.
The Alpena NFWCO conducts an electrofishing survey to document the fish community in the restored Metzger Marsh.
Juvenile yellow perch captured from the restored Metzger Marsh.
Netting surveys in Crane Creek on the Ottawa NWR.
Crappie captured from Crane Creek.The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located on western Lake Erie in Oak Harbor, Ohio; approximately 30 minutes east of Toledo. The refuge provides habitat for many fish and wildlife species, and is the site of renovation of a degraded coastal wetland. Alpena NFWCO has provided fish and habitat restoration assistance to the refuge since 1994. Activities included: shoreline habitat restoration, monitoring of fish passage between Lake Erie and the recently restored coastal wetland at Metzger Marsh, and fish communtiy monitoring in Crane Creek which is a tributary to Lake Erie.
Metzger Marsh Wetland Restoration ProjectMetzger Marsh is the site of a recently restored wetland. It is located on Lake Erie approximately 30 minutes from Toledo. The marsh is 367 ha in size. It is jointly owned and managed by the Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (ONWR). The wetland restoration project involves many partners including: Ducks Unlimited, Lake Erie Waterfowlers, Ohio Decoy Carvers and Collectors, US geological Service – Great Lakes Science Center, Maumee Valley Audubon Society, Wolf Creek Sportsmen’s Club, Ohio Division of Natural Resources – Division of Geological Survey, and Blufton Sportsmens Club.
A 7700-foot dike was constructed in order to mimic the eroded barrier beach which once existed in front of Metzger Marsh. The dike will allow water level control to stimulate desired vegetation growth. A fish passage structure was later added to the design of the dike.
The fish control structure added to the dike at Metzger Marsh was designed to maintain a connection between Lake Erie and the coastal marsh without degrading viable fish spawning and nursery habitat. The structure consists of five gate openings with trap baskets placed in front of two openings. One basket monitors fish movement into the marsh, and the second basket monitors fish movement out of the marsh. The grates are placed in front of the five openings in order to hold back the large carp which come into the marsh every spring to spawn. Different size grates are being used on an experimental basis in order to determine what size fish can pass through the grates while still restricting the majority of the larger carp. Carp cause problems by tearing up vegetation and reducing water clarity. Theories differ on whether or not carp actually stay in the marsh after spawning. Monitoring of fish movement and timing will assist in determining when grates need to be used.
Sampling of fish migration between the lake and the marsh began in the spring of 1999. Adult and larval fish passage was monitored, and biotic and abiotic factors were measured. Approximately 37 species from 16 families of fish were found to pass through the structure by the fall of 1999. Monitoring of fish passage and biotic/abiotic factors at the control structure will continue through 2002. The fish community inside Metzger Marsh will be surveyed as well. Other habitat features including: vegetation, invertebrates, waterfowl, songbirds, amphibians, reptiles, water quality, and nutrient export will be monitored. Habitat features monitoring is being conducted to determine any effects the dike and its fish control structure may have on the environment. Results from this project will provide alternative management practices applicable to all Great Lakes coastal wetlands without compromising fishery habitat.
This is an experimental structure, which is still in the testing and modifying stage. Plans are in the works to re-design the sampling baskets. The new baskets will better distinguish fish moving into the marsh from fish migrating out of the marsh. This information is vital in revealing timing of species movement. Management can apply this information to allow fish passage into and out of the marsh while still maintaining some control over water fluctuations.
The mouth of Crane Creek enters Lake Erie from the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. At the mouth of the creek it becomes an open water estuary that is affected by Lake Erie seiche activity. Crane Creek still holds a connection with Lake Erie. The estuary comprises some of the few remaining wetlands along the Western Lake Erie shoreline. It is estimated that the western basin of Lake Erie consisted of 4,000 km2 of coastal wetlands. Of those original wetlands, approximately 100 km2 remain with 90% being controlled by diking and water level manipulation activities. Coastal wetland areas, such as Crane Creek, are productive and important habitats for a diversity of fish and wildlife species. These habitats provide spawning, nursery and feeding areas for many species of nearshore lake fish communities; along with resting, rearing, and feeding areas for waterfowl. Crane Creek also holds a nesting colony of common terns, which is a state endangered species in Ohio. Much of the Lake Erie shoreline has been armored with rock in order to reduce the effects of wave action and erosion. This form of wetland restoration closes off habitat for the fish community. The majority of fish species in Lake Erie use wetlands during one or more of their life stages.
The fish community of Crane Creek has been monitored annually since 1994. Approximately 40 different species of fish from 15 families use the estuary. In 1999, low lake levels hampered fish community monitoring in late summer and early fall. Low water levels created mudflats that benefited the creek habitat and stimulated vegetation growth. Lack of vegetation in Crane Creek has been a problem in the past due to scouring from high lake levels and strong storm events. As of fall 1999, the estuary has produced higher levels of submergent vegetation, millet, and smartweed. These vegetative types not only benefit migrating waterfowl, but also provide excellent food, cover, and spawning areas for the fish community.
