Lake Michigan is one of the five great lakes of North America and is the only one located entirely within the United States. It is fascinating because it is known to be home to a variety of wildlife. With the drop in human activity due to the global pandemic, it is the perfect opportunity to appreciate more of what the lake has to offer.
For centuries, Lake Michigan’s waters have served as a source of sustenance and recreation, attracting a diverse array of aquatic life. Fish species like walleye, yellow perch, gizzard shad and smallmouth bass are known to inhabit the lake. Animal species that frequent the lake includes birds such as bald eagles, osprey, loons, cormorants and ducks, along with mammals like minks, muskrats, beavers, otters and deer.
Apart from it being a habitat for animals, the lake also provides a great opportunity to observe other wildlife. Over 190 different species of plants, representing more than 65 families, is known to grow within the lake. Its beautiful sandy beaches are home to various sea stars, crabs, snails, jellyfish and more.
The Lake Michigan ecosystem is complex, with different living organisms interacting with each other. Timothy Binde, an ecologist from the University of Illinois, mentions that it is essential for people to understand what species reside in the body of water and their relationship to the environment. According to Binde, “The increase in human activities affects the lake’s ecosystem, which can be seen through the decrease in the number of specific species and the alterations in their habitats.”
The lake is also known to be a safe haven for endangered species. One of them being the lake sturgeon, an ancient fish prized for its caviar and meat. Sturgeon had previously become almost extinct, but due to conservation efforts, they are now making a comeback. Other species include the piping plover, a shorebird that nests along the shores, and the Illinois mudpuppy, an unusual salamander-like creature found in the shallower areas of the lake.
With regards to its inhabitants, Lake Michigan is able to provide a home for such wildlife thanks to its changing ecosystems, nutrient-rich waters and abundant coastal habitats. It is through conservation efforts, understanding and protection that wildlife within and near Lake Michigan can continue to coexist and thrive.
Conservation Efforts
The health of the lake and its many inhabitants are monitored by organizations like the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Organizations like these help to ensure that the lake’s ecosystems and population of resident fish and wildlife remains healthy. These organizations have implemented laws and practices that are meant to protect against poaching, water pollution and the overfishing of species.
Conservation efforts in the area also involves reintroducing of likely extinct and endangered species, such as the American eel and the Eastern loons. In addition to reintroduction programs, organizations like the Great Lakes Commission also focuses on limiting and reducing the sources of pollution.
Recent conservation efforts have seen communities united to create a protective habitat around the lake. Additionally, researchers are working to create species and habitats-specific strategies to mitigate pollution. These strategies and early restoration efforts are aiming to establish a balance between humans and the environment and curb our impact on the lake and its inhabitants.
The Need for Education on the Topic
The lake is important in more ways than one. It is essential for us to understand more about it, as well as its diverse population of species, in order to establish an understanding of what needs to be done to protect it. In addition to the need for environmental protection, education on the topic is another important factor.
Providing outreach programs to educate the public on the uses and importance of Lake Michigan is essential to ensure that people respect and care for the lake and its inhabitants. This can be done through events such as lectures, workshops and nature trails, where people can come to learn more about the lake and its wildlife.
Furthermore, having more research being conducted on the lake and its inhabitants will help to provide a better understanding of the importance of the lake. With an increase in the number of studies being conducted, the amount of data and resources on the lake will continue to expand.
The Global Pandemic and its Impact on Lake Michigan
The global pandemic has resulted in a drop of human activities taking place near the lake, most notably limiting recreational activities. This then leads to a decrease of pollution and disturbance from human activities. Thus, fewer marine mammals and bird species have been sighted near the coast of the lake, as the number of boats being operated in its waters decline.
The sudden decrease of pollution has also resulted in a vast improvement in water quality, with an increase in fish species being sighted as well. The increase in fish population also means that there will be more food availability for the other wildlife species in the lake, improving its overall ecosystem.
Moreover, with the restrictions on the number of human activities taking place by the lake, the habitats and marine life within will be less affected by human activities. It is important for us to remember that even when the restrictions have been lifted, to still respect and protect the lake.
Conclusion of the COVID-19 Situation
While the drop in human activities might be seen by some as a disruption to their daily lives, it has also presented us with a valuable opportunity to appreciate and learn more about the Lake Michigan ecosystem. Pollution from human activities has decreased dramatically, resulting in a vast improvement in water quality and the wildlife within.
The increase in the number of wildlife species and habitat has shown that with cautious and protective measures, we can still enjoy our experiences by the lake while also preserving it. It is important for us to remember that it is only with such conservation efforts that the Lake Michigan ecosystem can continue to thrive and protect its inhabitants.
