Ancient sturgeon, walleye, lake trout and a host of other Great Lakes fish play a starring role in a new publication chronicling the evolution of Great Lakes fisheries.

The revised edition of The Life of the Lakes: A Guide to the Great Lakes Fishery takes readers on a dramatic journey that begins when glaciers retreat from the region and settlers sharpen their spears to hunt lake sturgeon and northern pike. Chapters include the ecology of the Great Lakes, history and current status of Great Lakes fisheries and an in-depth discussion of future management issues.

“This latest edition of The Life of the Lakes is a wonderfully comprehensive examination of the complexity of the Great Lakes fishery,” says Dr. William Taylor, Associate Director of Michigan Sea Grant. “Its holistic approach in identifying the opportunities and challenges that our fisheries resources face is vibrantly depicted.”

As the drama unfolds, an assortment of social, technological and environmental changes converge at various times to alter native Great Lakes fish populations. The booklet’s ecosystem approach allows readers to see how changes through time have impacted the recreational and commercial fisheries of today and set the stage for the future.

The Life of the Lakes booklet is ideal for educators, resource managers and anyone interested in the Great Lakes. Special features include more than 30 photos, a three-page color diagram and detailed illustrations of Great Lakes fish.
A separate full-color poster shows Great Lakes ecosystem concepts on the front and a map of the Great Lakes basin on the back with key fisheries information and facts about native and non-native species.

The booklet and poster were published in September 2003 by Michigan Sea Grant and are available for purchase online at our Bookstore.