Programs
NATIVE SPECIES
Native fish species, such as lake sturgeon, lake trout, walleye, yellow perch, and American eel, inhabit the Great Lakes Basin. The LGLFRO, in cooperation with state and provincial agencies, works toward the protection and management of these native fish species, as well as several native forage fishes. The office's activities include population assessment and monitoring, habitat assessment and enhancement, and fish stocking.
AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES
Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are non-native (exotic) organisms which are detrimental to native ecosystems due to their explosive range expansions and competition for food and habitat. Non-native species introductions may be intentional (stocking) or un-intentional (bait, boats, canals). The LGLFRO coordinates the Northeast Region ANS Program, which includes four components: monitoring, research, education, and technical assistance and coordination.
FEDERAL & TRIBAL LANDS
The LGLFRO works cooperatively with military agencies and Tribal Nations to protect, restore, and enhance fish and wildlife populations and their habitats on these lands. These unique, and sometimes undisturbed lands, provide quality habitats for rare and endangered species. The LGLFRO performs fishery investigations, wildlife surveys, and assists with natural resource issues.
HABITAT RESTORATION
The LGLFRO habitat restoration program strives to enhance existing wetland, riparian, in-stream, and terrestrial habitats for the benefit offish and wildlife. Specific activities include performing natural resource surveys, stabilizing stream banks, determining fish passage needs, and assessing the effects of contaminants on aquatic ecosystems.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system for input, storage, analysis, and output of spatial information. The LGLFRO uses GIS to assist in the management of fishery resources and identify water resources, fish habitat, species distribution, and fish passage issues for the Lower Great Lakes watershed.
OUTREACH & EDUCATION
Outreach provides an opportunity to highlight the successes of our office and educate the public about environmental issues in the lower Great Lakes. The Program seeks to educate, inform, and enhance awareness to promote informed decision-making and a better understanding of the role each of us plays in the environment.
