Fisheries
Lake Michigan has been an important fisheries resource for hundreds of years. As the climate and lake ecosystem changes, fish populations will also change, which may have significant effects to economies that rely on fisheries. We work with fishing operators and businesses, anglers, scientists, and managers to address key fisheries issues such as invasive species, habitat restoration, and changing socioeconomic environments.
Programs & Initiatives
Fisheries Data
Comprehensive fisheries data in Lake Michigan have been collected by state agencies since the 1980s. In partnership with these agencies, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant has collated and published these data in a user-friendly way via two interactive websites: Angler Archive and Fish Atlas.
See MoreBuoys in Lake Michigan
Real-time buoys in Lake Michigan serve multiple audiences: boaters, anglers, padders, surfers, weather forecasters, and charter boats. Data are refreshed every 10-60 minutes during the buoy season, which runs from April through late October.
See MoreBe A Hero—Transport Zero
Invasive species—non-native plants, animals, or pathogens that cause harm to natural areas—impact both our economy and the environment. Their environmental impacts can affect outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and birding. You can help prevent these impacts—”Be A Hero” and join the more than 90 percent of outdoor enthusiasts in Illinois who are already fighting the spread of invaders.
See MoreCooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI)
Each year since 2002, through CSMI, multiple federal, state, and university scientists gather on one of the Great Lakes to take part in coordinated research. The last Lake Michigan-intensive field year was 2015 with the next coming up in 2021.
See MorePublications
Related News
- Spring brings new IISG resources and opportunities to lean into the season
- Meet Our Grad Student Scholars: Brooke Karasch
- Funding opportunity open for 2024-25 research projects
- Research Q&A with Katey Strailey: How stream restoration structures affect fish
- Scientists rally to collect data after Lake Michigan CSMI sampling year delayed to 2021
Education & Training
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant publishes educational material, hosts workshops and organizes outreach events to educate people on fisheries issues in southern Lake Michigan. This is essential to highlight the importance of fishing to local and regional communities, as well as promote collaborative and sustainable fisheries management.
Learn more about Related Education & TrainingResearch Projects
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant funds original research projects that support and complement our education and outreach activities. The link below will take you the Fisheries section of our funded research database, where you will find project descriptions, contact information, and final reports and publications.
See All Related Research & Projects