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In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, History and Culture, Illinois, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, muskie, News, Ontario, Recreation and Tourism, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, sport fishing, st. lawrence river, Tourism, Wisconsin
Who caught the world’s largest muskie? Even the experts don’t agree

The largest known muskie is 67 pounds 8 ounces. Or it’s 69 pounds 11 ounces. Or it’s 70 pounds 10 ounces. Depending on the type of record, whom you ask or what organization you trust, it ­­could be any of those answers.

After Great Lakes Now published a column on muskies that referenced record sizes, it kicked off a dispute among readers on what record was the most accurate, so Great Lakes Now decided to do a deeper dive.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/who-caught-worlds-largest-muskie/

Kathy Johnson

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In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, birds, diving, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forests and Plants, I Speak for the Fish, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research, St. Clair River
I Speak for the Fish: Playing peek-a-boo with the ducks

I’ve been outsmarted by more than one species.

A red fox in a Florida nature preserve comes to mind. I observed the fox entering a den and spent two hours patiently waiting for it to emerge so I could take its picture – only to discover the clever fellow had exited out the back shortly after I parked myself out front.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/playing-peek-a-boo-with-ducks/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: divi, diving, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, History and Culture, I Speak for the Fish, invasive species, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, mussels, News, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research
I Speak for the Fish: Logperch rocking, rolling and rebounding

Some fish don’t seem to mind a diver’s bubbles or humans fumbling around underwater. Others bolt at my first exhalation. Some fish are super approachable while others remain wary and aloof regardless of how I try to entice them.   

And some species, like the tiny logperch, don’t seem to give a fig what I do. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/speak-for-fish-logperch-rebounding/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: diving, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, I Speak for the Fish, Kathy Johnson, Lake St. Clair, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism
I Speak for the Fish: Meeting the mysterious muskie

Just like serious birders and all manner of naturalists, many divers keep a life list of the species they have seen. Typically, the more elusive the species, the more coveted the sighting. Size also plays a role in desirability, whether it’s a condor or a blue whale.  

When it comes to impressively large and elusive freshwater species, a couple come to mind.  

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/meeting-mysterious-muskie/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: diving, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, I Speak for the Fish, Kathy Johnson, lake trout, Latest News, Michigan, News, Protect, Recreation and Tourism
I Speak for the Fish: Center stage alongside Great Lakes steelhead trout 

In the spirit of yuletide reminiscing, I recently found myself looking back at my journey to bringing more freshwater fish content to PBS audiences. One particularly poignant and mildly terrifying turning point was the first time I stepped onto a really big stage to speak on behalf of freshwater fish.  

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/center-stage-steelhead-trout/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Kathy Johnson, Lake sturgeon, Latest News, Michigan, News, Research, Data and Technology, science, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Sturgeon Restoration: Drawing in the public with a festival

This story is the fourth in a four-part series looking at sturgeon restoration efforts. 

Lake sturgeon restoration efforts are taking place across the Great Lakes basin.  

But what that restoration looks like is entirely dependent on location and other factors, such as whether or not any lake sturgeon remain in the area. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/sturgeon-restoration-public-festival/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: diving, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, I Speak for the Fish, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, sturgeon
I Speak for the Fish: Teamwork, smooth swimming and other lessons from Great Lakes fish

Watching how fish move, how they use the water to their advantage has made me a better diver. Underwater, I strive to be as trim as a walleye and as effortless as a sturgeon. And while my cameraman husband hunts for photo ops with the stealth of a muskie, I can usually be found frolicking in the shallows like a carefree sunfish. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/speak-fish-teamwork-swimming-lessons/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, indigenous communities, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, News, sturgeon, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Restoration: Starting anew in Sturgeon and Saginaw bays

This story is the third in a four-part series looking at sturgeon restoration efforts.

Lake sturgeon restoration efforts are taking place across the Great Lakes basin.

But what that restoration looks like is entirely dependent on location and other factors, such as whether or not any lake sturgeon remain in the area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/sturgeon-restoration-starting-anew-in-sturgeon-and-saginaw-bays/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Restoration: Streamside hatcheries on the Manistee, Milwaukee and Maumee rivers

This story is the second in a four-part series looking at sturgeon restoration efforts.

Lake sturgeon restoration efforts are taking place across the Great Lakes basin.

But what that restoration looks like is entirely dependent on location and other factors, such as whether or not any lake sturgeon remain in the area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/sturgeon-restoration-streamside-hatcheries-manistee-milwaukee-maumee-rivers/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Restoration: Studying Michigan’s and Wisconsin’s current flourishing populations

This story is the first in a four-part series looking at sturgeon restoration efforts.

Lake sturgeon restoration efforts are taking place across the Great Lakes basin.

But what that restoration looks like is entirely dependent on location and other factors, such as whether or not any lake sturgeon remain in the area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/sturgeon-restoration-studying-michigan-wisconsin-populations/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Restoration: Studying Michigan’s and Wisconsin’s current flourishing populations

This story is the first in a four-part series looking at sturgeon restoration efforts.

Lake sturgeon restoration efforts are taking place across the Great Lakes basin.

But what that restoration looks like is entirely dependent on location and other factors, such as whether or not any lake sturgeon remain in the area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/sturgeon-restoration-studying-michigan-wisconsin-populations/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, I Speak for the Fish, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, News
I Speak for the Fish: Setting sturgeon free

I Speak for the Fish is a new monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor Kathy Johnson, coming out the third Monday of each month. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/i-speak-for-the-fish-setting-sturgeon-free/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, I Speak for the Fish, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, News
I Speak for the Fish: No petting for these cats

I Speak for the Fish is a new monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor Kathy Johnson, coming out the third Monday of each month. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/i-speak-for-the-fish-catfish/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, indigenous communities, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, News
Raising Fish: An inside look at how one hatchery is helping to restore native Great Lakes species

Running a Great Lakes fish hatchery requires a thorough understanding of biology, an affinity for mathematics, a solid grasp of physics and engineering, enough plumbing skills to qualify for union wages and a stomach impervious to the aroma of stinky fish.

Kris Dey has been running the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians’ fish hatchery for five years.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/fish-hatchery-restore-native-great-lakes-species/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: animals, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, I Speak for the Fish, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, mussels
I Speak for the Fish: Shell middens reveal interesting clues about the humble muskrat

Before the era of plastic, freshwater mussels were the material of choice for the global button industry.

The inside wall of a freshwater mussel’s shell can range in color from pure white to shimmering lavenders and iridescent purples.

European settlers were thrilled to find an abundance of button-worthy mussels in the Great Lakes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/shell-middens-mussels-muskrats/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, mussels, News, science
I Speak for the Fish: Mussel memory, the race to save an endangered species

I was recently reminded of the summer I spent working a gold dredge on a remote creek in Michigan’s thumb. For eight hours each day, I knelt in waist-deep water sorting a steady flow of material moving along a two-foot-wide conveyor belt.

I was looking for treasure but not of the golden variety – our team was after an endangered freshwater mussel.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/fish-mussel-memory-endangered-species/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: animals, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, News, reptiles, Research, Research, Data and Technology, salamanders, wetlands
I Speak for the Fish: April showers bring vernal pools and baby salamanders

I Speak for the Fish is a new monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor Kathy Johnson, coming out the third Monday of each month. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/fish-vernal-pools-baby-salamanders/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: culture, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, History and Culture, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, News
I Speak for the Fish

I Speak for the Fish is a new monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor Kathy Johnson, coming out the third Monday of each month. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/i-speak-for-the-fish/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: Drinking Water, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, snow, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Road Salt: Researchers look at vegetables and juices for alternatives to salt

Salt-speckled sidewalks, driveways and highways are synonymous with winter in the Great Lakes region. But while road salt is highly effective at deicing surfaces, the safety that salt provides for humans places a heavy burden on freshwater ecosystems.

“We have an unhealthy addiction to road salt,” said Claire Oswald, a hydrologist and associate professor at Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/road-salt-reducing-usage-great-lakes-freshwater-ecosystem/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Kathy Johnson, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Pennsylvania, Recreation, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, shipwreck, shipwrecks, Wisconsin
Shipwreck Life: How fish and other aquatic species utilize Great Lakes shipwrecks

All that remained of the schooner was a bit of its hull – a tightly-packed row of wooden planks stretching 40 feet across the bottom of Lake Huron. Sunbeams easily penetrated the 20 feet of clear lake water above the wreck.

The site appeared lifeless.

There were no schools of emerald shiners, black-striped minnows or yellow perch in sight.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/shipwreck-ecosystem-fish-great-lakes-species/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: animals, enbridge, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, Fish, Birds and Animals, kalamazoo river, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, News, oil pipelines, turtles, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Turtle Recovery: Studying turtles on the Kalamazoo River 10 years after Enbridge oil spill

Josh Otten reached down and pulled two turtles from the bow compartment of his kayak. One was the size of a dinner plate; the other was barely the size of a silver dollar pancake. Both were northern map turtles, the most common species of turtle in the Kalamazoo River watershed, according to Otten who played a key role in the rescue and rehabilitation of more than 2,000 turtles in 2010 following the Kalamazoo River oil spill.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/turtle-recovery-kalamazoo-river-enbridge-oil-spill/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: Detroit, Feature Detroit, invasive species, Kathy Johnson, lake erie, Latest News, Michigan, News, zebra mussels
Tested and Rejected: Blasting zebra mussels off walls wasn’t the first method attempted

Wayne Brusate started a commercial diving company in the two-car garage of his home in Marysville, Michigan.

Ten years later, his business was contracted to maintain all the water intake systems at Detroit Edison’s power generating facilities in southeastern Michigan. Power generating plants require a massive volume of water to operate, Brusate said.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/blasting-zebra-mussels-invasive-species/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forests and Plants, Illinois, Indiana, invasive species, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, plants, Quebec, The Provinces, The States, Wisconsin
Controlling Invasives: States urge residents to help stop spread of invasive species

Spring in the Great Lakes region brings blooming tulips, pollinating bees, biting sunfish and the threat of spreading invasive species.

As residents head outdoors to freshen backyard ponds and launch fishing boats, state and provincial resource managers are urging everyone to keep a few simple guidelines in mind to keep the Great Lakes safe.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/04/states-stop-spread-aquatic-invasive-species/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: border, canada, coronavirus, COVID-19, Detroit, economy, environment, Feature Detroit, Great Lakes, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Protect, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, united states
Tighter Restrictions: COVID-19 makes it harder to cross Great Lakes borders between U.S. and Canada

Customers who attempt to pay with cash at the Blue Water Bridge will be prohibited from crossing.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/covid-19-coronavirus-tighter-border-crossing/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: canada, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Duluth, economy, environment, Great Lakes, Illinois, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Lighthouses, Museums and Cultural Institutions, Michigan, Milwaukee, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Ontario, Recreation, Tourism and Culture, Tourism, Wisconsin
Inside Entertainment: COVID-19 has Great Lakes aquariums and museums offering online activities

The public can continue to enjoy aquariums, museums and centers as the facilities close buildings. But starting March 25, Parks Canada is closing all national parks.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/aquariums-museums-online-livestreams-covid-19/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: canada, coronavirus, COVID-19, economy, environment, Great Lakes, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Protect, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Headline: Cutting Contact: U.S. and Canada cut cash transactions and non-essential travel at border

At the Blue Water Bridge, International Bridge, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel and Mackinac Bridge, tolls will stop taking cash.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/03/bridge-tolls-travel-no-cash-coronavirus/

Kathy Johnson