Research Committee

Type of Committee: SPECIAL / STANDING

Purpose:

To facilitate, assist and fund, in conjunction with research agencies, the implementation of scientific research to rehabilitate Lake Sturgeon.

Goals:

  • FIRST: To replenish and restore the Lake Sturgeon population in Black Lake, Burt Lake and Mullet Lake.
  • SECOND: Assist in an effort to replenish and restore Lake Sturgeon populations statewide.

Objectives:

  1. To facilitate research in the Assessment, Restoration and Enhancement of spawning habitat. We have drawings that will be used to implement a plan to eliminate or reduce erosion of the river banks into the spawning habitat. Huron Pines RC and D and Tip of The Mitt Watershed Council will assist us in this endeavor.
  2. Provide funding for PIT Tags (Passive Integrated Transponder Tags) and wands to determine population estimates and exploitation. We have already used 450 PIT tags to mark sturgeon in the Upper Black River and in Black Lake.
  3. Use drift net survey to quantify natural reproduction in the Upper Black River and the Lower Black River watershed. We have purchased and used drift nets to assess the sturgeon spawning success.
  4. Develop a strategy to quantify natural recruitment.
  5. Use the "headstart" program to retain a number of larvae in a rearing facility for restocking to determine optimal survival rates.
  6. Use telemetry to identify ideal habitats for each stage of development.
  7. Seek and secure funding opportunities: individuals, businesses and/or institutions.

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