GLFC

And with that, the #2026LakeCmtes Mtgs (LCM) have come to an end. Last wk, fisheries managers, scientists, & the public came together to discuss fisheries data. The US & Canadian Cmtes of Advisors also came together to discuss issues important to the GL fishery. Join us in 2027!

#DidYouKnow the GLFC has a fact sheet for youth with 10 fascinating facts about #GreatLakes #sealamprey? Take a look and share with others! glfc.org/pubs/factsheet… #InvasiveSpecies #SciComm #DYK

Trends in nutrient status indicate that Lake Erie had steady productivity during the 2021–2025 State of the Lake reporting period with a mean Trophic State Index (TSI) of 39.7. TSI is an index that combines phosphorus, Secchi depth, & Chlorophyll-a into one metric. #2026LakeCmtes

Invasive mussels are ~90% of animal biomass on the floor of the lower 4 Great Lakes. The USGS Great Lakes Science Center is pioneering automated computer vision algorithms to detect mussels & estimate density from photos, supporting the SWIM project. More: glc.org/work/swim

📢 Technoscience Thursday webinars return in fall 2026! Learn about cutting-edge tech and its applications to fisheries. Sign up for the email list so you don’t miss out: tinyurl.com/TechnoSci #2026LakeCmtes #GreatLakesSci #TechInnovation

Tracking Trout! Researchers are using acoustic telemetry to track adult lake trout around Lake Ontario to find spawning areas and better understand how habitat may be limiting restoration goals. Questions? Contact Alex Gatch (USGS). #2026LakeCmtes

While not all restoration objectives have been met, most indicators are trending upwards for lake trout rehabilitation in Lake Huron. Multiple agencies are cooperating on assessing these populations in both Canadian and US waters. #2026LakeCmtes

New research using acoustic telemetry has revealed 65% of walleyes in Saginaw Bay are spawning in open water while just 35% in rivers. A huge surprise to researchers and this helps explain how the population keeps expanding. Important implications for habitat work. #2026LakeCmtes

Saginaw Bay once had thriving rock reefs where walleye and lake whitefish spawned by the millions. Decades of sedimentation buried them. In October 2025, 2 acres were returned at Channel Island Reef, in Saginaw Bay. Learn more: michiganseagrant.org/channel-island… #2026LakeCmtes

In 2025, 101 Lake Huron streams and 18 lentic areas were surveyed for larval sea lampreys and no new populations were detected. Surveys determine upstream distributions and evaluate effectiveness of recent lampricide treatments and barriers, among other purposes. #2026LakeCmtes

Coasters in the Shallows! The first known population estimate of shoreline spawning Coaster Brook Trout in the Great Lakes was recently completed by the Minnesota DNR. Over 300 Coasters larger than 12-inches were found! #2026LakeCmtes

Burbot are proving to be one of Lake Superior’s most resilient native predators. New research shows 5 genetically distincy groups, w/tributaries acting as important source populations. The findings highlight how hidden diversity can support resilient ecosystems. #2026LakeCmtes

Most common in the deepest waters, and occurring alongside declines in growth, condition, and abundance since ~2010. Possible causes: 🔍 Food limitation 🦠 Disease 🩸 Sea lamprey ⚗️ Contaminants #2026LakeCmtes 2/2

“Zombie” lake trout? Scientists are seeing increasing numbers of extremely emaciated deepwater siscowet in Lake Superior—same age/length as healthy fish, but far lower weight & lipid levels. 1/2

Companion worksheet for middle & high school students: glfc.org/pubs/education…

#DidYouKnow there is an educational video that takes a deep dive into #GreatLakes #sealamprey? “Sea Lampreys: From Crisis to Control” is a 27-minute video about the anatomy, history, life cycle, and control methods for #invasive sea lampreys. #DYK youtu.be/JVlHApc3h1c?si…

Companion worksheet for elementary students: glfc.org/pubs/education…

Acoustic telemetry is being used to learn from and protect the important and still stable Atikameg population in Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior for the Bay Mills Indian Community to continue practicing their retained Treaty rights for generations to come. #2026LakeCmtes

Lake Superior continues to support stable, healthy commerical fisheries for lake trout, lake whitefish and cisco. The impact of the historic cisco year class in 2022 is yet to be fully realized in the Lake Superior fishery. #2026LakeCmtes

The @USFWS Great Lakes Mass Marking Program provides crucial data to manage valuable salmon and trout fisheries. For example, Chinook Salmon survival rates among stocking sites have helped adjust stocking at some locations to improve return on investment. #2026LakeCmtes