BiinaagamiAll about that bass
photo par Tomasz Filipek (Pexel)
The Great Lakes are known for their beauty, their ecological significance, and their world-class fishing. This reputation was further solidified by Bassmaster Magazine’s 2024 ranking of the top 10 best bass fishing spots in the US. The ranking is calculated based on information from state fisheries departments, B.A.S.S. Nation members, fishing tournament results and verified trophy bass submissions. Three of the top 10 best lakes to reel in bass in the U.S. are within our very own Great Lakes watershed, including the top spot!
The number one best place for fishing bass in the US was awarded to the St. Lawrence River, specifically the Thousand Islands region near New York state. Position number 4 was won out by Lake St. Clair in Michigan. Finally, Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River in New York State came in strong at number 7.
Cliquez sur ici for the full Bassmaster ranking.
Great Lakes 360
photo par salah-alawadhi (Pexel)
July 13th saw a new $5.2 million-dollar (USD) expansion project open at the Aquarium of Niagara in New York State — Great Lakes 360. This expansion replaces the former Niagara Gorge Discovery Center. Great Lakes 360 contains 16 immersive exhibits that will help visitors expand their understanding of the diverse crew of plants, fish, reptiles and amphibians that find their homes in the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem.
The exhibits will help locals get to know the species they are likely to find in their own backyards like the musk turtle, a tiny Great Lakes native. Additionally, visitors will be introduced to species that, while native to the Great Lakes, are much more elusive and uncommon to meet. For example, admission to the aquarium brings the opportunity to pet lake sturgeon, the oldest and largest fish species in the Great Lakes which, in the wild, can grow up to two metres long!
Those wanting to get to know local aquatic species can enter Great Lakes 360 with admission to the adjacent Aquarium of Niagara, where they will see more water-dwellers of the world.
Big steps to stopping the bighead
photo par Heather Bozman (Pexel)
An agreement has been signed between the state governments of Michigan and Illinois and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, designed to prevent invasive fish species from entering the Great Lakes.
The agreement unlocks $274 million (USD) in federal funds as well as $114 million in state funding to finance the construction of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project. The first phase of a $1.1 billion project aims to keep invasive carp and other nuisance species from entering the Great Lakes by installing a series of measures at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet, Illinois.
Certain species of invasive carp, like the bighead, are known to reproduce rapidly and can eat up to 40% of their own weight each day. The plankton they consume is a main food source for native fish species and other wildlife in the Great Lakes.
“Today’s agreement will help us get shovels in the ground as soon as possible on the critical Brandon Road project,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer dit in a statement. “The Great Lakes are the beating heart of Michigan’s economy, and Brandon Road will help us protect local communities and key industries, including fishing and boating, that support tens of thousands of good-paying jobs.”
Four species of invasive carp were introduced in North America during the 1970s. Previously called Asian carp, the fish were placed in ponds to consume algae. But the fish eventually escaped the ponds and have been found in river systems, including the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. The Illinois River is connected to the Great Lakes via the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.
Residents are encouraged by State officials to report potential sightings of invasive carp in the Great Lakes to the Department of Natural Resources. Reports can be submitted online ici.
