Alpena FRO conducted surveillance for new populations of invasive species and documented the existing fish community at shipping ports and rivers in northwestern Lake Huron and the St. Marys River, in September and October.

Twelve locations, including eight sites in Lake Huron and four sites in the St. Marys River, were surveyed with bottom trawling gear.     A target of 30 minutes of effort was conducted at each sample site. 

Twenty-six species were captured including 24 species in Lake Huron and 15 species in the St. Marys River in 215 and 110 minutes, respectively. Bottom water temperatures ranged from 9.1°C to 19.4°C and averaged 14.2°C in Lake Huron and 10.9°C in the St. Marys River.

No new populations of invasive species were detected. Eurasian ruffe were not found at any locations and round goby continue to persist at Lake Huron locations.  Neither ruffe nor goby have been found in the St. Marys River to date. 

Biologist Bowen coordinated survey efforts with assistance from Biologists Kowalski, Rawlings and Boase.  We are grateful to Jordan River National Fish Hatchery Fishery Biologist John Johnston who also provided needed assistance.