Alpena FRO recently collected samples of prey fish for a Great Lakes Fishery Commission funded study to determine salmon and lake trout response to declining prey abundance in Lake Huron. 

Alpena FRO is an associated investigator for the study which is coordinated by Jim Bence of Michigan State University,Ji He and James Johnson, both from Michigan DNR Alpena Fishery Research Station.

Alpena FRO collected prey during annual fall trawling efforts to detect new populations of aquatic nuisance species.  Samples were collected from 13 species at nine ports from DeTour to Harbor Beach. Prey samples will be provided to Michigan State University where they will be combusted to determine their energy density and value to predators. 

The USGS and MDNR will also be collecting prey samples for this study.

We are grateful to District Fisheries Biologist Jim Baker with the Michigan DNR - Bay City Field Office who provided needed assistance during prey sample collections.