Engaging Anglers, Managers and Scientists in Southern Lake Michigan

Session: 13. - Building Relationships of Anglers and Scientists toward Sustainable Fisheries

Mitchell Zischke, Purdue University, [email protected]
Jayson Beugly, Purdue University and IL-IN Sea Grant, [email protected]
Patrice Charlebois, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois, [email protected]

Abstract

Southern Lake Michigan is a complex ecosystem that supports highly valuable recreational fisheries. Located in one of the most heavily populated areas of the Great Lakes, these fisheries experience unique environmental, economic and social challenges. To meet these challenges, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) builds relationships among stakeholders to enable education, assessment and effaceable management of the fishery. Three key programs that IISG delivers on an annual basis are: 1) recreational fishery workshops, 2) weather buoys, and 3) aquatic invasive species (AIS) engagement. Recreational fishery workshops are held in multiple locations throughout the region each year and consist of scientists and managers presenting important updates and new research on fisheries issues to anglers and other attendees. IISG deploys and manages weather buoys that provide real-time data for anglers to determine where, when, and what to fish for. We engage anglers about AIS and their potential impact on the fishery through intermediaries such as bait store owners, as well as directly at outdoor shows and AIS removal zones at Lake Michigan boat ramps. This multifaceted approach to engagement allows us to build diverse and long-lasting relationships between anglers, managers and scientists in southern Lake Michigan.

1. Keyword
fisheries

2. Keyword
Buoys

3. Keyword
invasive species

4. Additional Keyword
Extension

5. Additional Keyword
Outreach

6. Additional Keyword
Anglers