Todd Langley, Ontario MNR, and James Boase, USFWS), lift trap nets during the lake trout survey in Parry Sound, Ontario. - Photo courtesy Dave Anderson

Fishery Biologist James Boase traveled to Parry Sound, Ontario, on Oct. 16, 2005, to assist Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources biologists with a fall lake trout spawning survey and gamete collection effort.  This was the first of a three-year project leading to the development of a Parry Sound strain broodstock for use in U.S. waters of Lake Huron.  Although the broodstock development effort was the principal focus of the project, additional objectives included:

1.      Replenishment of the Parry Sound brood stock used in the OMNR hatchery program

2.      Determine current thiamine levels in Parry Sound lake trout to continue monitoring efforts addressing lakewide Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) research

3.      Complete the disease screening of this free ranging Lake Huron lake trout stock to assist in clearing them for exportation to the U.S. and for addition to the OMNR hatchery system

Parry Sound strain lake trout are one of two remnant Lake Huron stocks and are recommended for expanded use in the lakewide rehabilitation plan.  Lake trout in this region of Georgian Bay are considered rehabilitated and stocking was discontinued as the proportion of wild lake trout reached target levels.  Age and growth data collected during this effort will aid in the continued monitoring of lake trout stocks in this region of the lake.