Friday, September 26, 2008
Upper Lakes May Not Be A Bathtub
Might The Seaway Be Shutdown?
Canadian lock workers are threatening to strike in October as they've been working without a contract. This might trap freighters in the Great Lakes; on the other hand, to be snarky, it might stop some invasive species.
See: Seaway strike would shut waterway
See: Seaway strike would shut waterway
A threatened strike by Canadian lock workers on the St. Lawrence Seaway would shut down the inland waterway and could trap ocean vessels in the lakes for the winter, shipping sources warned.
Labels: shipping
The 8th Annual Boatnerd Gathering
Here's a report on the 2008 get-together of the boatnerd.com folks. And with a great story name.
See: Nerds ahoy
See: Nerds ahoy
Labels: freighter
Poe Lock Was Shutdown Wednesday
See: Gate malfunction briefly halts traffic at Great Lakes lock
The malfunction struck the 1,200-foot-long Poe Lock in Sault Ste. Marie at about 9 this morning and lasted about two hours, the corps said.
A faulty hydraulic mechanism in the gate was repaired as three ships were delayed, the corps said.
Labels: locks
Thursday, September 25, 2008
More Border Crossing Information
Wow... prepare to present your papers for copying when crossing into Canada.
See: Homeland Security Continues To Expand Border Searches: Now Can Copy Your Paper-Based Documents
See: Homeland Security Continues To Expand Border Searches: Now Can Copy Your Paper-Based Documents
Friday, September 19, 2008
New Research On Cormorants
See: Cormorants can impact fish populations
I have not seen that many cormorants around Neebish Island but they are most likely having an impact on perch in the St. Marys River as the latest study shows a correlation for the Les Cheneaux area:
I have not seen that many cormorants around Neebish Island but they are most likely having an impact on perch in the St. Marys River as the latest study shows a correlation for the Les Cheneaux area:
New research confirms that trends in cormorant numbers best explain the collapse of yellow perch in the Les Cheneaux Islands region of Lake Huron. Between 1980 and 2004 cormorants went from zero to over 5,500 nests (about 14,000 birds).
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Fishing For Pink Salmon In The St. Marys River
The Detroit Free Press has had several stories about unique fishing opportunities in Michigan recently. The latest is about the St. Marys River north of Neebish Island.
See: Fly-fishing for these salmon is simple, fun
See: Fly-fishing for these salmon is simple, fun
Labels: fishing, St. Marys River
Neebish Island Mentioned In The Latest DNR Fishing Report
St. Mary’s River: Has good numbers of pink salmon between the Power Plant and the tour boat docks. Anglers are casting or jigging Swedish Pimples and spoons. Good walleye action in the early morning when trolling a bottom bouncer with a crawler harness and blades. Some nice yellow perch were caught in the weedbeds across from the ferry dock on Neebish Island. Good smallmouth action off the southeast corner of Sugar Island in 20 feet of water.
Via the Holland Sentinel
Via the Holland Sentinel
Labels: fishing
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Fish Also In Distress
On the heels of the VHS fish virus (See:
Ebola-like virus killing fish in Great Lakes) comes more bad news for freshwater fish species.
See: Silent streams? Escalating endangerment for North American freshwater fish
And the decline in freshwater and saltwater fish populations is just one small part in Earth's sixth mass extinction event which is happening before our eyes.
For example, most people are aware of the worldwide collapse of bee colonies. Less well known is that populations of fireflies (what I used to call "lighting bugs") have declined by 70% worldwide.
Ebola-like virus killing fish in Great Lakes) comes more bad news for freshwater fish species.
See: Silent streams? Escalating endangerment for North American freshwater fish
Nearly 40 percent of fish species in North American streams, rivers and lakes are now in jeopardy, according to the most detailed evaluation of the conservation status of freshwater fishes in the last 20 years...
"Fish are not the only aquatic organisms undergoing precipitous declines," said USGS researcher Noel Burkhead, a lead author on the report and the chair of the AFS Endangered Species Committee. "Freshwater crayfishes, snails and mussels are exhibiting similar or even greater levels of decline and extinction."
And the decline in freshwater and saltwater fish populations is just one small part in Earth's sixth mass extinction event which is happening before our eyes.
For example, most people are aware of the worldwide collapse of bee colonies. Less well known is that populations of fireflies (what I used to call "lighting bugs") have declined by 70% worldwide.
Labels: ecology, fishing, invasive species
St. Marys River Water Quality
The levels of organic contaminants and heavy metals in the St. Marys River are showing improvement. See: Water quality in the St. Marys River is ‘definitely’ improving
However, isn't there a saying about when you point a finger three more point back at you? It is revealed that after blaming Soo, Ontario; Sugar Island might have to ask if the beach closings of last year were due to sewer discharge from the Michigan side of the river. See: Sault Michigan does not test storm sewer outfalls; Sault Ontario does
However, isn't there a saying about when you point a finger three more point back at you? It is revealed that after blaming Soo, Ontario; Sugar Island might have to ask if the beach closings of last year were due to sewer discharge from the Michigan side of the river. See: Sault Michigan does not test storm sewer outfalls; Sault Ontario does
Labels: pollution, St. Marys River, water
A Great Time To Go Kayaking
Here's a profile of kayaking in northern Lake Huron from MyNorth.com:
Do It Now: Les Cheneaux Kayak Weekend
Do It Now: Les Cheneaux Kayak Weekend
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
September Water Levels
Via SaultStar - St. Mary's River bit lower this month: Upper Great Lakes remain below average
The St. Mary's River won't run quite as high this month, as the International Lake Superior Board of Control responds to August's Lake Superior water level decline.
Lake Superior, which normally rises by one centimetre in August, dropped by five centimetres last month.
Water supplies to the basins of Lake Superior and lakes Michigan-Huron were well below their long-term averages, said the board of control in its regular outflow update.
Labels: water levels
Understanding Dead Zones
