The project team constructed three demonstration lake sturgeon spawning reefs just off the south-east shore of Belle Isle in the upper Detroit River. The reefs consist of three different substrates used by spawning lake sturgeon elsewhere. Specifically, the substrates are screened, "shot rock" limestone, 6-24 inches in diameter, free of all fines; 4-6-inch, igneous cobble; and screened, 1-3 inch, coal cinders. The latter is provided free of charge to the project by DTE Energy.
Day two of construction and the crew has completed approximately half of the first reef.
Construction Photos Select images for larger view
Bottom contours of the Detroit River at the construction site.
Location of the three spawning reefs and their proximity to the shipping channel.
This image is captured from digital global positioning system (DGPS) software linked to the equipment on board the construction barge. The software tells the construction crew exactly where each bucket of material is being placed on the riverbed. When this image is enlarged the location of all three spawning reefs is highlighted.
Day two of construction and the crew has completed approximately half of the first reef.
The reefs will consist of three different substrates used by spawning lake sturgeon elsewhere.
