Reflections on a Decade of Habitat Restoration Efforts in the St. Clair Detroit Rivers System Jennifer Read University of Michigan Water Center & Ed Roseman US Geological Survey On behalf of the Reef Team
St. Clair Detroit River System Historically Huge runs of fish spawned here. Largest commercial GL fishery in late 1800s. Today Origin of much of Lake Erie s commercial catch, $2 billion/yr. More than 65 species of fish. 16 are threatened or endangered. Largest remaining population of lake sturgeon in the Great Lakes, but still at 1% of historic levels.
A Well Rounded Restoration Team Scientists USGS, FWS, MDNR, U-M Team Facilitators UM Water Center and Michigan Sea Grant Design Engineers SmithGroup JJR Fishery Managers MDNR, FWS Outreach Specialists Michigan Sea Grant Local Champions & Partners Sturgeon for Tomorrow, DTE Energy, AOC Council Grant Managers UM Water Center and Michigan Sea Grant Advisors Fluvial Geomorphologists, Lake Carriers Association
Assess Problem Bennion and Manny 2011 Before and after blasting to deepen to Livingstone Channel (~1910)
Restoration Planning Physical Attributes Ecological Attributes Human Use of River
Consultation and Engagement Consultation with the crew of the American Century, and the Lake Carriers Association (Aug 2015) Research boat taking measurements as American Century passed by possible restoration area
Projects Completed and In Progress Grassy Island Reef Project
Project Implementation
Monitoring Objectives Measure extent and magnitude of fish spawning and larval fish abundance. Assess use of artificial reefs and other habitat restoration efforts. Determine role of corridor as spawning and nursery habitat for fishes.
St. Clair River Michigan Detroit River Ontario Michigan Ontario
Spring and fall egg mat collections Detroit River since 2005 St. Clair River since 2010 Egg Collection
Larval Fish Collection
Eureka! Moments Eggs, Larvae & Juvenile Lake Sturgeon from the Fighting Island, Hart s Light, Pt. Au Chenes, and Middle Channel Reefs! 1.5 larva
Lake Sturgeon Eggs Detroit River: Collected from Fighting Island Reefs in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2015 Reef expanded in 2013 more eggs! St. Clair River: Collected from Middle Channel Reefs in 2012 & 2013, Hart s Light & Pt. Au Chenes in 2015 Collected from Maslankas Reef in North Channel annually
Lake Sturgeon Larvae Detroit River at Fighting Island reef: Catches higher at sites directly downstream than upstream of spawning reefs. Collection of larvae upstream of reef suggests successful spawning occurring elsewhere in river. St. Clair River: Catches higher than in Detroit River, at virtually all sites sampled. Variable sizes and developmental stages suggest more spawning areas in river and multiple spawning events.
Evidence of Spawning by Other Native Fishes Collection of eggs Lake Whitefish (fall) Walleye Several sucker species Troutperch White bass limestone
Challenges and Uncertainties Invasive species Sediment/siltation/infilling Longevity Performance
Summary Functional spawning habitat can be restored. Methods & approach attracted global attention. Interdisciplinary team & adaptive management approach essential, contagious. Strategic vision for restoration & management. Component of renaissance for urban waterways. Reviving economic, social, & cultural values.
A Renaissance for Large Rivers Reviving resilient functional ecosystems and economies. Support multiple wise uses. Restore a sense of place, heritage, & tradition.
Monitoring and Evaluation Raw Video Footage on the Middle Channel Reef (2012)
Photo Credit: Adam Lintz Questions? Jennifer Read, jenread@umich.edu Ed Roseman, eroseman@usgs.gov Many Partners: University of Michigan Water Center Michigan Sea Grant USGS Great Lakes Science Center US Fish and Wildlife Service Michigan Department of Natural Resources SmithGroup JJR Sturgeon for Tomorrow DTE Energy www.miseagrant.umich.edu/restoration www.heci.org
Extra Slides
Partners, Sponsors and Funders Michigan Coastal Management Program
Restoration Goals Compensate for damages to historic fish habitat Remove Beneficial Use Impairments and help delist 2 Areas of Concern Help sturgeon recover, re-populate Great Lakes About 50,000 sturgeon in corridor* Estimated to be 1% of historic levels *Estimates from J. Chiotti et al. 2013
How Will the Reefs Benefit Me? Improved fishing Healthier river Help delist as Areas of Concern Enhance local identity and regional reputation Better place to live, work and visit economic growth
An Adaptive Management Process 1. Assess Problem 6. Adjust 2. Build Consensus 3. Develop Restoration Plan 5. Monitor and Evaluate 4. Implement Restoration