The Lake Huron Fish Community and Ecosystem Change

The Lake Huron aquatic ecosystem has experienced profound changes to the composition and dynamics of its fish communities. Most of these recent changes are a consequence of the continued introduction of invasive exotic species which have altered food webs, affecting the most minute plankton species as well as top predatory fishes. David will review the historic legacy of changes in the lake and highlight contemporary developments that range from tentative steps towards native species recovery to the ongoing proliferation of exotic species, habitat alteration and other changes. He will also briefly explore the possible effects of climate change on Great Lakes fish communities.

Lecturer – David Gonder

David was born in Owen Sound and has spent the majority of his career working on Lake Huron at OMNR’s Upper Great Lakes Management Unit. As the Resource Management Supervisor at the Unit since 2014, he and his team lead fisheries management planning on both Lake Huron and Lake Superior. This includes work with Indigenous communities and stakeholders as well as species specific management and rehabilitation plans. David is also an ardent, life long fly fisher, fly tyer and rod builder.