MISSION STATEMENT
PROTECT, PRESERVE, AND RESTORE wild NATIVE FISH POPULATIONS THROUGH STEWARDSHIP OF THE FISH AND THEIR HABITATS
MICHIGAN native fishes
Michigan has both warmwater and coldwater habitat. This includes more than 3,000 miles of shoreline on Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and a short section of Lake Erie. In total, it is said that the Great Lakes are the largest source of freshwater on earth, representing roughly 20% of the total. Michigan is home to over 120 species of native fish across more than 20 families. Lake Superior is home to a unique life history strategy of large brook trout known as coasters. The northern Lower Penninsula of Michigan was once home to a rare and isolated population of Arctic grayling, often refered to as Michigan grayling. Lost in the early 1900s to habitat degradation and angler exploitation, efforts to try to restore these unique native fish are now underway. The Upper Penninsula is home to wild native brook trout populations. Other species of native fish found in Michigan include lake sturgeon, spotted and longnose gar, bowfin, mooneyes, 6 species of redhorse, grass pickerel, northern pike, muskellunge, lake trout, 3 species of whitefish, smallmouth and largemouth bass, white and black crappie, and numerous minnow species.
status, threats, and conservation
Like most other states, Michigan’s native fishes face many threats and challenges including angler exploitation, stocking, nonnative invasive fish introductions, habitat degradation, development, agriculture, pollution, and a changing climate resulting in warming water, floods, and droughts. According to Michigan Department of Natural Resources, there are 24 state-listed species. Eight are classified as “Special Concern,” seven are classified as “Threatened,” and nine are classified as “Endangered.” Blackfin cisco, shortnose cisco, bigeye chub, ironcolor shiner, weed shiner, and paddlefish are believed to be extirpated from the state. Deepwater cisco and blue pike are considered extinct. While efforts are underway to try to restore them, Arctic grayling are considered extirpated in Michigan. While present in Lake Superior, it is unclear if coaster brook trout are still extant in Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan is currently being managed for nonnative and highly invasive pink salmon, coho salmon, chinook (king) salmon, Atlantic salmon, brown trout, rainbow trout and steelhead. Sadly, the Great Lakes are considered the “most heavily invaded freshwater ecosystem in the world.” It is said that there are over 175 nonnative fish species established in the Great Lakes, roughly 1/3 of which are classified as invasive.
MICHIGAN nfc board
Below is our Michigan State Board. This dedicated group of volunteers are our "boots on the ground" in Michigan, home to Lake Michigan, untold miles of river and stream, numerous lakes and ponds, and a number of wild native fish species.
michigan nfc ADvisory CounCil
Below is our Michigan Advisory Council. This group of volunteers represents a veritable all-star team of subject matter expertise and hands-on experience. They work with the Michigan board to help identify areas in need of attention, while providing technical assistance.
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SHANE FLINN is from Lansing, Michigan. He is an avid angler…