Michigan Has a Plan to Restore Arctic Grayling to its Waters

The Arctic grayling is a fish that's native to the state of Michigan.

But the species was all but wiped out by 1936 due to several factors. These included habitat destruction, unregulated harvest and predation/competition with introduced trout species.

The Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative is focused on restoring the Arctic grayling to Michigan waters.

In mid-July, the initiative unveiled its official action plan.

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"Large populations of Arctic grayling were once found throughout Michigan's Lower Peninsula and even in an Upper Peninsula stream— in fact, this iconic, cold-water fish species was native only to Michigan and Montana in the lower 48 states," says Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Chief Jim Dexter.

"With the launch of the Arctic grayling action plan, we're moving an important step closer to making it possible for residents and visitors to once again find this slate-blue beauty with the distinctive dorsal fin in Michigan waters."

According to the DNR, the plan involves research, management, fish production and outreach and education to Michigan citizens about Arctic grayling and the initiative's efforts.

The DNR and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians founded the initiative in June 2016. Thirty-two organizations are involved.

"Contributions by organizations like the Consumers Energy Foundation are invaluable as this initiative works toward making a dream a reality," says Frank Beaver, director of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians' Natural Resources Department. "It's so exciting to see so many partners working to try and bring back this significant species."

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