Migratory fish are disconnected from riverine systems throughout the world by barriers (e.g., dams and culverts). Removal of these structures would enhance passage for native fishes, but could also allow for introduction of non-native invasive species. In the Great Lakes, there is ongoing work to develop facilities for selective fish passage to allow passage of desirable fish while blocking undesirable fish, like the invasive sea lamprey. As part of this process, decision makers need to understand which species are desirable in particular rivers, as well as the predicted increase in production of these desired and undesired species upon passage. We are conducting a structured decision making process, in which we determine stakeholders' objectives for the fish community on the Boardman River, MI, and model the potential production of these desired species. This project is in collaboration with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, and includes input from decision makers (i.e., Michigan DNR and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians) as well as stakeholders from the region. This decision framework will inform fish passage on the Boardman, and will serve as a framework for other fish passage decisions in the Great Lakes and beyond.
