DEC April Survey

[Gator]

I know that it's early yet, but does anyone have any information regarding the results of DEC's annual April trawl for alewives? I'm sure that after this year's State of the Lake meeting everybody recognizes the significance of this year's result. Particularly given the collapse of the fishery in L Huron and the situation in L Michigan. From least to most productive. Thanks the mussels for that.

 

If anybody hears anything, good news would be much appreciated. Bad news....well, we won't shoot the bearer at least.

[Yankee Troller]

Saw the Seth Green at the Genesee two nights ago.

[Silver Fox]

It went offshore yesterday morning and wasn't in yet at 3pm

[Gator]

Thanks for the updates. Please keep us informed as you hear anything.

[Gill-T]

You probably won't hear anything 'til fall after the spring and summer surveys are completed and numbers configured so don't hold your breath too long.  Go fishing, the fish are fat and healthy this year.

[RUNNIN REBEL]

There will be 120+++ trawls this spring. Going on now, between 3 boats (USGS & NYSDEC & OMNRF ) at SAME TIME in U.S. waters and Canadian waters for the 1st. time EVER . This will estimate how many alewife were produced in the 2015 year class. The hydrocustics survey is completed near the end of July This has been done by NYSDEC  &  OMNRF in the past.  This year the USGS boat will participate hear also, Giving us 3 boats surveying again at the same time LAKEWIDE.......This survey estimates total alewife and rainbow smelt abundance and distribution. Lake Ontario has never had this much cooperation between agencies/counties on a WHOLE lakewide survey conducted at the same time (minimizes chances of bait fish "being some where else at time of trawls" ) and the Technology is UNBELIEVABLE now and getting upgrades constantly (especially in hydrocustics & side imaging shooting towards shore and at rocky substrates previously non trawl able ) This years bait assessment will be much much more accurate.

 

Jerry

RUNNIN REBEL