In the 1960s, lake trout nearly vanished from the Great Lakes due to overharvest and invasive predators like the sea lamprey. Today, lake trout are fully recovered in Lake Superior and notably closer to that goal in others — thanks to funding provided through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
While restoration has been ongoing since the 1960s, some crucial components of the restoration program simply would not exist without the GLRI, particularly the mass marking program. This is a primary way of gathering information on how stocked fish are faring so partners can make well-informed management decisions. The GLRI has also enhanced USFWS efforts to raise and stock lake trout in hatcheries to help meet the goal of restoring self-sustaining populations.
To learn more, read the full story on USFWS’ website: Taking stock of our progress for lake trout.