The ultimate vision of grayling reintroduction is to establish self-sustaining populations capable of supporting a fishery. This will require specific management actions aimed at achieving specific long-term goals to succeed. 

 

Collaboration among tribal, federal, state, academic and angler group partners will be important to assess fish communities and habitat conditions in streams throughout the grayling’s historic range.That said, the partners agree to not chemically reclaim streams for the purpose of establishing grayling populations. Criteria will be developed to determine what habitat and biological conditions provide the best opportunities for reintroduction, and these criteria will assist all partners in standardizing sampling methods for new fish and habitat assessments.

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This reintroduction program will use an adaptive management approach based on continued assessments, research findings and public input. Stocking strategies and regulations will change accordingly as partners work together to share information and further enhance management efforts. Habitat enhancement may become a new focus for the initiative if population expansion becomes a reality.

 

Management Goals:

 

1. Evaluate key habitat criteria for grayling.

2. Assess suitable grayling habitat in the Upper Manistee River and other high suitability watersheds.

3. Assess fish populations and densities in the Upper Manistee River.

4. Establish population goals and limiting factors.

5. Change state statute to legalize fishing for grayling.

6. Implement regulation changes to aid in grayling reintroduction and manage future fishing opportunities for grayling.

7. Determine final disposition of surplus broodstock as necessary.

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For more detailed information on the Management Focus Area, please view the Action Plan section for Management.

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