Hatchery production and research to support restoration of sustainable Coregonine populations in Lake Ontario (FY24)
Contributing Authors
Executive Summary
This project focuses on the production of Coregonines at the USFWS Allegheny, Lamar, and North Attleboro National Fish Hatcheries, working in partnership with NYSDEC and OMNRF to contribute towards Coregonine reintroduction and restoration and fish community goals outlined by the GLFC Lake Ontario Committee (LOC). Production requests originate from the LOC and NYSDEC. Fish health monitoring by the hatcheries and the USFWS Lamar Fish Health Center is a required component of the production program to transfer fish, maintain optimal fish health in culture facilities, and facilitate the restoration of both the natural forage base and the predatory Lake Trout populations in the Great Lakes. Funding from FY2025 was used to support production of Bloater (Coregonus hoyi) and Cisco (Coregonus artedi) representing different life stages that are present in the production and stocking cycle. Hatchery support for coregonine production is part of a multi-year restoration effort for Lake Ontario.