Larval fish habitat assessment

During the fall, mature lake whitefish congregate for spawning activities over shallow and rocky shoals along the shores of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. The eggs overwinter and hatch as larval fish the subsequent spring. Currently, there is limited knowledge about the factors influencing spawning success, including the impact of invasive species, algal blooms, and climate change.

This component of the project will conduct larval fish and plankton surveys, as well as map some of the spawning shoals to gain a better understanding of the environmental factors influencing the success of lake whitefish spawning. To enhance this effort, Saugeen Ojibway Nation (Anishinaabe) Ecological Knowledge will inform the use of remote sensing technology to assess fish habitat and determining optimal locations and timing for larval fish assessments. This approach ensures a more thorough examination of the ecological dynamics affecting lake whitefish reproduction and will aid in the development of informed conservation and management strategies.