Reproductive Success and Survival Comparisons of Hatchery and Wild Lake Superior Steelhead

Working with the MN Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Lake   Superior Area and French River Fish Hatchery, researchers will use   mating records, captures at fish weirs, and genetic data to compare   the reproductive success of hatchery-stocked steelhead trout to that   of Lake Superior's naturalized steelhead. Simultaneously, they will   examine the survival rate of juvenile steelhead produced by   naturalized parents, hatchery parents and mixed crosses in isolated   reaches of North Shore rivers. Building on a previous Sea Grant   study, the researchers hope to guide the MN DNR's rehabilitation   program for Lake Superior steelhead and examine the genetic and   ecological effects of supplemental stocking on naturalized   populations.