A 3-year initiative by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources would see Lake Trout numbers get a huge boost. The plan has two components. The first is a lake trout yearling restocking program and the second is an attack on the increasing sea lamprey population. The London Free Press reports that,

“Over the next three years, the Ministry of Natural Resources will stock the lake with 150,000 yearlings. The fish will be introduced between Port Dover and Dunnville in areas deemed suitable for spawning. The initiative includes a co-ordinated effort to knock down the sea lamprey population. Sea lamprey numbers are near historic highs. For the past 60 years, the parasite has prevented lake trout from rebounding. The Department of Fisheries & Oceans will treat four creeks along the north shore with lampricide this spring and again in the fall of 2009. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will mount a similar response in five creeks on the American side.” Entire Article Here

It can be a tough biological battle for scientists when they are trying to shift the balance of power from introduced invasive species (like the sea lamprey) to natural original species (like Lake Trout). It will be interesting to follow this story. I hope the desired result is obtained.

Lake Erie, lake-trout, sea lamprey