Returning lost heritage: A study of the suitability of the Maple River for the re-introduction of Arctic grayling

Abstract

The Arctic Grayling (Thymallus Arcticus) was once the dominant fish species in many watersheds of Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, but were listed as extirpated in the 1930s following a long period of decline caused by overfishing, habitat destruction, and the introduction of non-native salmonids by anglers. Recent successes of conservation efforts in the Grayling's natural range in Montana has generated interest in re-stocking in some of the Michigan habitats of the Grayling. This study conducted tests to assess physical and biological factors such as macroinvertebrate population, substrata, and temperature. This study found that the East Branch of the Maple River is not suitable for Arctic Grayling, but that the West Branch might support populations of the Grayling, and would be worth studying in more detail with regards to possible re-stocking.