The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians is embarking on a groundbreaking research project that will shed light on the behavior and interactions of Great Lakes fish communities. Through the use of underwater cameras, the band’s fisheries team, in partnership with other tribes and state and federal fisheries researchers, aims to capture video footage of fish communities in select areas of Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan. Their goal is to gain a clearer understanding of how and why fish utilize specific habitats, particularly the common spawning sites for fish known as reefs.
Chris Hessell, Great Lakes fisheries biologist with the Grand Traverse Band, affirms that the use of cameras will allow the team to sample multiple areas within a day, something that has been challenging with traditional surveying methods. This initiative will kick off with an exploration of reefs, and eventually expand to survey the entire lake system, giving researchers a comprehensive view of the underwater environment.
Hessell highlights the importance of this research in understanding the movement and genetic differences within aquatic communities. By observing and documenting fish behavior without disrupting their natural habitat, the team hopes to achieve a more comprehensive and cost-effective assessment of the Great Lakes system. Their current surveying method involves the use of gill nets to collect vital data, but this approach removes fish from the ecosystem, while the use of cameras will provide crucial insights into how fish communities behave and interact without causing the same level of disturbance.
In comparing fish communities to human behavior, Hessell explains that fish utilize different areas for varying amounts of time and for different reasons, much like how people frequent different facilities for different needs. The use of cameras will provide a broader understanding of the aquatic environment within a single time frame, allowing biologists to sample multiple habitats in a day.
Hessell emphasizes the value of having raw data over many years to better understand the constant changes in the Great Lakes system and its impact on aquatic communities. The project, set to commence in spring, aims to provide a clearer picture of how these changes play out in the Great Lakes’ underwater ecosystems.
The use of underwater cameras, in partnership with other tribes and federal and state researchers, demonstrates the commitment of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians to fostering a deeper understanding of aquatic ecosystems and the preservation of Great Lakes fish communities. By employing innovative technology and collaborative research efforts, this initiative will greatly contribute to the ongoing conservation and management of the region’s invaluable aquatic resources.
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