Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, located between the US and Canada. It has been said that this lake is home to some of the largest creatures on Earth, the Great Lakes Eel. But does this really hold true? Are there really eels in Lake Superior?
Given their enormous size, these unique fish are actually quite rare. According to National Geographic, over the past 30 years, their populations have decreased significantly, leading to their designation as a “threatened species”. The issue is believed to be due to several factors including overfishing, pollution, and shoreline development.
Definitively proving the existence of eels in Lake Superior is difficult. According to Dr. James Kitchell, professor of biology at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, “There have been some sporadic observations of eels at the surface and in deep water in Lake Superior and in rivers linked to it, but because of the rarity of the eel most sightings are anecdotal and not based on any scientific research.”
Despite its current standards as a threatened species, eels continue to appear in Lake Superior. According to Michigan Radio, an American eel was recently discovered by team of researchers in the St. Louis River. The eel was estimated to be between seven and ten years old, which is remarkable considering the current rate of decline.
From a conservation perspective, it is suggested to find ways to help the Great Lakes Eel population thrive in Lake Superior. The Michigan DNR is at the forefront of this effort, suggesting such initiatives as protecting the habitats of breeding and spawning ground and cutting back on the harvest of juveniles of the species.
Currently, the prevalence of eels in Lake Superior is uncertain at best. Because of the difficulty in definitively proving their presence in the lake, speculation is all that can be offered. Despite this, it is clear that they continue to hold a special place in the ecology of the Great Lakes, and in order to ensure that they continue to do so, conscious effort must be made to protect the species.
Population Malaise
The decline of the American Eel’s population is due to several factors. Overfishing, pollution and alteration of the eel’s natural habitat are all contributors. Poor water management has been identified as the leading cause, with dams, weirs, canals and other development blocking migration pathways, inhibiting the species from finding a suitable breeding ground.
Efforts have been made to mitigate the effects of poor water management on the eel. The Great Lakes Fishery Commission is an example of an organization taking an active role in the conversation. Their efforts have included the removal of dams and habitat restoration, in addition to monitoring and assessing the species.
Unfortunately, this is not enough to reverse the trend of population decline. A study conducted by the US Fish and Wildlife Services concluded that the species is near a point of no recovery, citing that the eel’s population has already pushed the maximum sustainable yield of the lake, indicating that further decrease is likely.
The implications of this data are relevant to all species, including humans. While it may not seem initially concerning that eel populations are in decline, it serves as a direct link to our own future. Poor water management and disregard for the environment and its inhabitants leads to an imbalance in nature, one that will have a direct impact in our health and wellbeing in the future.
Understanding Eels
Eels have a unique life cycle that has been little studied. Tagging and tracking the migration of American Eel has been difficult, and this has led to significant gaps in our knowledge about the species.
What is known is that the eels undertake an incredible journey from their spawning grounds in the Sargasso Sea, off the coast of Bermuda, to their spawning grounds of the freshwater lakes of the US and Canada.
The purpose of these lengthy journeys is to seek out suitable environments to breed and spawn. The Great Lakes are home to large concentrations of these eels, and as such they remain a key contributor to the overall ecosystem.
It is believed that the migration of eels plays a critical role in the life cycle of the species. Without a reliable source of food and a suitable place to breed, the species would eventually die out.
The eels in Lake Superior are no different. They must be able to migrate to their spawning grounds in order to complete their life cycle. Poor water management, overfishing, and habitat degradation have all played a role in the recent decrease in the species population.
Raising Awareness
In an attempt to raise awareness about the plight of the Great Lakes Eel, there have been a number of initiatives launched by environmental organizations. These campaigns stress the importance of protecting and conserving the habitats of the fish, as well as promoting better water management practices.
In addition to these campaigns, the general public can take a role in helping to conserve this species. Simple steps such as avoiding single-use plastics and supporting responsible fisheries can have a significant impact on their conservation.
Education is also critical when it comes to raising awareness about the Great Lakes Eel. To that end, it is important to educate others about the species and its plight. Offering insight into its life cycle, its unique habitat, and the threats it faces can go a long way in raising awareness and inspiring action.
Establishing an understanding of the Great Lakes Eel can also help to foster an appreciation of its importance to the health of the ecosystem. With this appreciation can come an increased motivation to help conserve the species, increasing their survival in Lake Superior and beyond.
Effective Implementations
In order to effectively help the eels of Lake Superior, it is critical to identify the most effective implementation strategies. According to Wisconsin Sea Grant, habitat restoration, population monitoring, and regulations are all necessary components of a successful model.
Habitat restoration can include dredging up sediment and removing dams. This allows for the eels to move freely throughout the lake, and for the environment to recover from damage caused by overfishing and human activity.
In addition, population monitoring must be regularly conducted to assess the health of the eels. This helps to ensure that the population is neither overfished nor below sustainable levels.
Finally, regulations, such as harvest levies and protected areas, must be in place in order to prevent further habitat disruption. These regulations will also help to protect other endangered species in Lake Superior, like the lake sturgeon or northern pike.
Reversing Population Declines
In order to reverse the population decline of the Great Lakes Eel, large-scale efforts must be undertaken. This includes effective regulations, increased monitoring, and improved water management practices.
Restoration efforts must also be taken into consideration. Projects such as the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative are helping to restore habitats, breeding grounds, and migration pathways, making a difference in the health of the species.
The education of the public is also necessary in order to create an understanding of the species and its plight. Increasing support for conservation measures and reducing the demand for eel products are important steps in helping to restore eel populations in Lake Superior.
Finally, it is necessary to recognize the importance of the Great Lakes Eel in the overall ecosystem. This can be accomplished through research and data collection as well as coordinated efforts between organizations and agencies devoted to the conservation of this species.
Conservation Strategies
Conservation strategies are essential in the protection and recovery of the Great Lakes Eel. According to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, steps must be taken to maximize fish passage and promote the species’ recovery.
One way to accomplish this is through the implementation of “fish ladders”. These devices are designed to allow eels to migrate upstream, which is essential for the species to complete its life cycle.
In addition, regulations must be in place to protect specific areas, such as spawning grounds. By designating protected areas, habitat degradation can be prevented and the eels’ recovery can begin to take shape.
Education is also a key component in conservation strategies. Raising awareness about the plight of the species and the threats it faces can lead to greater support for conservation measures. Furthermore, educating fishermen and recreational boaters about the species can lead to improved behavior from people directly interacting with this ecosystems.
In conclusion, there is a need for effective strategies to help conserve the Great Lakes Eel. Conservation efforts, habitat restoration, and education are all necessary components for the species’ successful recovery and improved sustainability in Lake Superior.
