Does Less Ice Cover Lead to More Turbulent Overwinter Conditions on Great Lakes Fish Spawning Reefs?

Project Overview Declining winter ice cover in the Great Lakes can affect how winds and waves influence coldwater fish reproduction on reefs, as ice cover may shield fish from these forces. Researchers supported by this Midwest CASC project will measure water movement and ice cover in Lake Erie to model future scenarios, helping fishery managers in the region make habitat restoration and fish stocking decisions for important species like lake whitefish and cisco. Project Summary In northern regions, freshwater lake surfaces commonly freeze during the winter, benefiting coldwater fishes. Ice cover protects developing fish eggs from strong wind-driven currents and surface waves, turbulence that can lower reproductive success by burying [...]