Fishery agencies adjusting lakewide predator stocking

LAKE MICHIGAN — After findings of declining pelagic prey fish in Lake Michigan, state-agencies met together today in attempt to preserve the Lake Michigan predator-prey balance.

The Lake Michigan Committee proposed stocking reductions to better balance trout and salmon predators with their pelagic prey in 2017. Extensive changes have been made to the lake’s food web due to invasive species, reducing the amount of food available for pelagic prey.

The committee will relieve pressure on prey fish by reducing salmon and trout stocking more than twelve percent in 2017.