Michigan DNR and tribal partners begin Arctic grayling reintroduction with 400,000 eggs to restore this iconic species to state waters.
Arctic Grayling Reintroduction Ceremony Marks Milestone
ALANSON, Mich. — Michigan is set to reintroduce Arctic grayling, a species last seen in the state in 1936, through a ceremonial event on May 12 at the Oden State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), along with tribal partners, will distribute 400,000 grayling eggs to rivers within their historical range as part of the Arctic grayling reintroduction effort.
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians will release the eggs into the North Branch of the Manistee River, the Maple River, and the Boardman-Ottaway River. This marks the first phase in the process to reestablish self-sustaining Arctic grayling populations in Michigan.
What Are Arctic Grayling?
Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) are freshwater fish in the salmon family known for their sail-like dorsal fins and iridescent markings. Historically, they thrived in Michigan’s coldwater streams, particularly in the Manistee and Au Sable rivers. However, habitat destruction, unregulated logging, and competition from non-native fish led to their extirpation from the state nearly a century ago.
“Restoring Arctic grayling is an opportunity to reconnect Michigan’s people and ecosystems with an iconic species that was once integral to the region,” said the DNR.
A New Approach to Arctic Grayling Reintroduction
The Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative (MAGI) was launched in 2016 by the DNR and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, aiming to bring grayling back to their historical habitats. Unlike earlier attempts, MAGI employs advanced technologies to improve survival rates.
Streamside incubators will be used to help grayling fry imprint on the specific waters where they are released, enhancing their ability to thrive and reproduce. Tribal and DNR biologists will closely monitor egg hatching, fry development, and fish movement as part of this long-term project.
Tribal Partnerships Central to Success
The collaboration between the DNR and Michigan’s tribal nations underscores the cultural and ecological significance of the Arctic grayling reintroduction. For tribal communities, grayling restoration represents more than environmental progress; it is also a reclamation of ancestral connections to Michigan’s waterways.
Tribal partners will oversee the introduction of grayling eggs into selected rivers, which were chosen for their habitat suitability and historical significance.
Progress and Challenges Ahead For Arctic Grayling Reintroduction
The May 12 event builds on a November 2023 milestone when surplus grayling from the DNR’s broodstock program were stocked into three Michigan lakes. While this stocking effort did not aim to establish wild populations, it demonstrated progress in cultivating healthy grayling broodstock.
Establishing self-sustaining populations is expected to take several years, requiring consistent monitoring, habitat restoration, and careful management of factors such as predation and invasive species.
Learn More and Join the Effort
The public is invited to attend the May 12 ceremony at the Oden State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center to learn more about the Arctic grayling and Michigan’s ongoing reintroduction efforts. The DNR and its partners encourage community engagement and education as essential elements of the initiative’s success.
For details about the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative, visit Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative. Plan your visit to the Oden State Fish Hatchery at Michigan Hatcheries.
Find More Interesting Feature Stories From ThumbWind
- Michigan Feature Stories: Unveiling the diverse and vibrant people, captivating places, and remarkable events that make the Great Lake State unique.
- Weird Political News: A sarcastic take on political absurdities across the U.S., providing a humorous perspective on current events.
- Michigan News: Local stories and updates shaping the culture and lifestyle of Michigan’s Upper Thumb region.
Your Turn – Like This, or Loathe It – We Want To Hear From You
Please offer an insightful and thoughtful comment. We review each response. Follow us to have other feature stories fill up your email box, or check us out on Newsbreak at ThumbWind Publications.
