The Next Generation
Upcoming fisheries leaders learn about Lake Huron

The first Great Lakes Sea Grant Fisheries Leadership Institute workshop in Michigan was held recently in Alpena. Participants heard presentations from a variety of fisheries experts about issues related to fisheries management such as stocking and aquatic nuisance species, and challenges related to commercial fishing, charter and sport fishing.

“The workshop gave a well-rounded overview of current fisheries issues,” said Michigan Sea Grant Extension Program Leader John Schwartz. “Participants learned about fisheries from a management perspective as well as a business perspective.”

A field trip to the Alpena docks marked the highlight of the first day as participants watched commercial fisherman John Gauthier and his crew unload thousands of pounds of fresh whitefish netted that morning. Gauthier, whose business has a research license and assists the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), was among the local experts who gave presentations.

Workshop participants ranged in background from educators to fisheries organization leaders who came from around Michigan.

The Lake Huron institute meeting was the first to be conducted in Michigan and sponsored by Michigan Sea Grant. It is one of several sessions presently taking place in each Great Lakes state. Additional sessions of the institute are scheduled throughout the fall and into January.

For more information see: www.greatlakesseagrant.org
The institute is funded by two grants from the National Sea Grant program for curriculum development and conducting the pilot institute sessions.

All meeting materials, curriculum, and resources are provided by organizations including the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network. The Life of the Lakes booklet
and poster provided participants with historical, ecological and management information about the Great Lakes fisheries.

Additional institute educational components created by Michigan Sea Grant address commercial fishing and institutional arrangements.
See www.miseagrant.umich.edu/fisheries