Project leader Jerry McClain and fishery biologist Scott Koproski pick fish from a gill net lifted with the M/V Spencer F. Baird. - FWS photo

During the month of October, two cruises were made with the M/V Spencer F. Baird to perform annual adult lake trout spawning surveys on two offshore reefs in Lake Huron. 

Fishery Biologists Scott Koproski and Adam Kowalski along with Project Leader Jerry McClain were the biological crew for the assessment work.  Captian Mike Perry, Marine Engineer Robert Bergstrom, and contractual employee Mark Brown were the vessel crew.

On October 18^th, the M/V Baird departed the federal dock in Alpena and traveled to Six Fathom Bank.  Three gangs of gill nets were deployed on this reef and retrieved on October 19^th  after anchoring for the night off the reef.   

On October 20^th, the vessel departed for Yankee Reef where two gangs of gill net were deployed and lifted the following day after anchoring for the night off the reef.  In recent years, it has been difficult to conduct the assessment at both reefs given the tumultuous weather that October brings and safety issues surrounding the aging vessel M/V Togue. 

This year crews were able to complete surveys at both reefs in a single week while working off the more stable and comfortable work platform provided by the M/V Baird.  The difference between the two vessels is night and day and the M/V Baird will be an excellent vessel for fulfilling the Fish and Wildlife Service obligations towards lake trout restoration and enhancing our ability to contribute to the lakewide assessment program.