Fisheries division has new research vessel
Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 7:59 a.m.
Read more: Local
MARQUETTE -- Michigan Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologists are assessing the health of lake trout near Isle Royale.
Wednesday, the research vessel, Lake Char, returned to Marquette after 10 days of collecting fish samples and data. It's a continuation of a study that began over 30 years ago. Lake Superior water levels were a concern, because it was the first trip to the area since the Lake Char replaced a smaller boat called the Judy.
"The Lake Char is 56 feet long and 16 feet wide; the Judy was 40 feet long and 12 feet wide. The Lake Char is twice as fast. We can get 18 knots for a cruising speed. It gets us there much quicker, and if weather comes up, we can get off the lake much quicker as well," said DNR Fisheries Research Captain Kevin Rathburn.
The DNR conducts the spring survey at Isle Royale every three years. They reported good working weather during the trip and a little ice left along the shore in shady areas on the north side of the island.
