There are many stories, articles, and myths out there that ask the question: Does Lake Michigan have whales? If you’ve ever wondered if this is true, the answer is no, Lake Michigan does not have whales. This may come as a surprise to those who have heard of whales being spotted on the Great Lakes. In reality, the whales sighted on the Great Lakes are not actually whales, but instead gigantic sturgeons.
Sturgeons are large fish, related to the salmon and trout, that can grow to more than 6 metres in length, which is a considerable size! The most commonly sighted sturgeon in Lake Michigan is the lake sturgeon, an ancient species that has been around since dinosaurs roamed the earth. They are one of the largest, and oldest, fish species in North America and it’s known for its prehistoric-looking armored look and long, thin, scimitar-shaped snout.
The lake sturgeon can live up to 100 years or more and usually stay near the same area, since they cannot change their spawning grounds during their lifetime. They typically stay near the lake’s bottom, near rocky areas and reefs, and feed on small fish, insects, aquatic bugs and mollusks. They prefer to stay in deep troughs and can migrate up to 500 miles throughout the open water of the lake.
Lake sturgeons have been known to migrate through Lake Huron and out into the deep heart of Lake Michigan. While they may look like whales, they are in fact not whales at all! Sturgeon are nocturnal and they often spawn in the evening, so they are rarely seen by people. The noises they make while spawning are often mistaken for whale songs, which is where the misconception of whales in Lake Michigan originates.
The sturgeon sighted in Lake Michigan are naturally occurring and not part of a controlled population. They are an endangered species and are highly sought after by poachers. To protect them, the Great Lakes U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has enacted specific regulations on the harvest and storage of sturgeon from the Great Lakes.
The lake sturgeon is an important species to the Great Lakes and its conservation is vitally important. Scientists and conservationists are working to ensure the species is able to survive and thrive in the lake. Their efforts include understanding lake sturgeon habitats and behavior, enforcing laws that protect them from overfishing, and raising awareness of their vital importance to the lake ecosystem.
While the answer to the question Does Lake Michigan have whales? may be no, these majestic creatures should still be admired and appreciated. They may be some of the oldest and largest creatures in the lake, but their existence should be respected and their conservation is paramount.
Habitats and Behaviour of Lake Sturgeon
Lake sturgeons need certain habitats and conditions to thrive, and they can be found in rivers and areas with a lot of current, as these provide the oxygen they need to survive. The fishes’ diet is mainly composed of bugs, insect larvae, and mollusks that live at or near the bottom of the lake, and they are most active during the night. Lake sturgeons are bottom-feeders who feed off of anything they can find on the lake floor. They use their long, sensitive snouts to pick up vibrations from the environment to detect prey and predators.
Sturgeons spawn at the same place each year and are as loyal to their spawning grounds as humans are to their homes. They also show fidelity towards their spawning partners: once they have paired up they stay together for life. As part of the breeding process, the male sturgeon will drum its body against the female’s to make her release the eggs, which will then be fertilized by the male.
Like humans, they need the right habitat in order to successfully spawn. The ideal spawning grounds are rocky shoals near areas of moving water, as the eggs need a lot of oxygen to develop. Unfortunately, due to human activity, such as the damming of rivers, lake sturgeon have been unable to find suitable spawning grounds, endangering their existence.
Lake sturgeon are considered a ‘threatened species’ by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the population of the species has declined due to pollution and overfishing. The protection and restoration of lake sturgeon is an important part of preserving the biodiversity of Lake Michigan.
Protecting the Species
In order to protect the lake sturgeon and ensure their existence in Lake Michigan, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have introduced strict regulations on fishing and harvesting of the species. There are limits on the minimum size of sturgeon that can be harvested, and it’s illegal to fish for them in certain areas. The sale of caviar, or fish eggs, from species such as the lake sturgeon, is also prohibited in many areas.
In addition to these protections, conservationists and scientists are also studying lake sturgeon closely in order to better understand their behaviour. For example, scientists are looking into their genetic makeup to see how the lake sturgeon are related and how the population is behaving. They are also looking into how the lake sturgeon’s habitat is changing, to help inform strategies for restoring their populations.
To protect lake sturgeon, people are also encouraged to take part in conservation efforts. It is important to be aware of the laws and regulations in place and to follow them. In addition, one can play an active role in conservation by volunteering time to help clean beaches and restore rivers and streams, where lake sturgeon’s spawning grounds are typically located.
By working together, we can ensure that lake sturgeon continue to exist in Lake Michigan and preserve the biodiversity of the lake.
Threats from Non-Native Species
The lake sturgeon is also threatened by invasive species who compete for the same food sources, such as the ocean lamprey. The ocean lamprey is an invasive species that arrived in Lake Michigan via the shipping canals in the early 20th century. They are incredibly resilient, aggressive predators that feed on fish, and can live up to seven years in freshwater. The lamprey has negatively affected the populations of native fish species and is considered by scientists to be one of the most damaging invasives in the Great Lakes.
Another issue facing lake sturgeon is degradation of their habitat. Human activities such as logging, mining, and damming have all contributed to the destruction of their spawning grounds and the subsequent decrease in their population. Degraded habitats also make the lake sturgeon more vulnerable to predation and make it harder for them to find the food they need to survive.
The effects of climate change are also becoming more apparent in Lake Michigan, as higher temperatures are making it more difficult for the fish to survive. Warmer temperatures mean a decrease in oxygen in the water, making it harder for the sturgeon to move and find food. Warmer temperatures also make it easier for invasive species to survive and reproduce, making the competition for resources even greater for the lake sturgeon.
Furthermore, the increase in human activity around the lake is also a concern for the lake sturgeon. Pollution and runoff has a serious impact on the lake’s ecosystem, and can cause algae blooms and other forms of water contamination that can harm aquatic life and further endanger the lake sturgeon.
Raising Awareness and Education
The lake sturgeon is an important species in Lake Michigan, but they are threatened by a number of factors, including invasive species, habitat degradation and climate change. In order to protect the lake sturgeon, it is necessary to raise awareness and educate people about their importance to the lake. Organizations like the Great Lakes Fishery Commission are working to educate people on the threats facing lake sturgeon and what they can do to protect them.
Educating people on the proper way to fish, such as the legal minimum size of lake sturgeon to be caught, is essential for conservation. People should also be aware of the regulations in place for the harvesting and sale of sturgeon and caviar, to ensure populations are not over-fished or illegally exploited.
By educating people on the threats facing lake sturgeon, as well as the regulations that protect them, we can help ensure the species survives and avoids extinction.
Making a Difference
It is important for people to be aware of the threats facing the lake sturgeon and the regulations that protect it in order to make a difference in their conservation. It is also important to remember that these efforts can have a positive effect on the entire lake ecosystem, as the lake sturgeon play a vital role in the food chain.
There are many ways to get involved in the conservation of lake sturgeon. People can volunteer their time to help clean beaches and restore rivers and streams, which are vital spawning grounds for the fish. Taking part in research and monitoring programs, or joining educational initiatives are also great ways to get involved in conservation.
Individuals can also help conserve lake sturgeon by becoming aware of the regulations in place and following them. It is also important to be aware of the impact of human activities on the lake, such as pollution and runoff, and take the necessary steps to reduce their impact.
Lake sturgeon may not be whales, but they are an important part of the Great Lakes ecosystem and their conservation is vital. By being aware of the threats they face, and taking part in conservation initiatives, we can ensure the species continues to exist and thrive in Lake Michigan.
