RAD Case Study: Midwest Glacial Lakes

Environmental conditions in the Midwest Glacial Lakes and associated Great Lakes basin are likely to shift considerably because of warming temperatures, introduced species, and changes in nutrient runoff. These changes can negatively affect forage fish communities that support top lake predators. Managers can resist climate-induced loss of cisco in these deep, clear lakes as long as their water quality remains high. To this end, managers are pursuing conservation easements and other land protection mechanisms to protect the watersheds of these lakes from development. Managers may also choose to accept the decline of cisco, given the higher cost of conservation efforts. In turn, this acceptance acknowledges that warmwater species, such as largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, are increasing, two species that have the potential to support a popular sportfishing industry that has historically been focused on other species.