A Lake Trout Restoration Plan for Lake Superior

Hansen, Michael

The objective for lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) restoration in Lake Superior is to restore self-sustaining stocks. Progress toward the goal should be measured by the number of age-1 juveniles produced in each lake trout management area (Isle Royale National Park is included as one of these management areas) and by the average density of adults caught in gill nets. Progress toward the goal will require prudent regulation of sport and commercial fishery harvests and increased control of the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). Stocking of yearling lake trout should be phased out in response to progress in restoration and to declining survival of stocked yearlings. Interactions with other salmonine predators should be the focus of future research. Prey species should be managed conservatively to ensure that their abundance is adequate to provide for the maturation of lake trout at reasonably young ages. Habitat should be surveyed to ensure that key habitats for reproduction and survival are protected.