US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
Storm Kills 1,200 Steelhead at Michigan's Only Egg-Collection Weir
About 1,200 steelhead died after a lightning strike cut power and oxygen circulation, disrupting Michigan’s egg collection and regional stocking plans.
- On Tuesday, April 14, storms caused a power failure at the Little Manistee River Weir in Manistee County, killing about 1,200 steelhead after a lightning strike disabled oxygen circulation systems.
- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources relies on the weir as the exclusive source of steelhead eggs in Michigan, with a planned quota of 4.6 million eggs this season.
- Fisheries biologist Mark Tonello called the situation the DNR's "worst nightmare," while staff are working quickly to collect eggs from remaining live fish to secure next year's stocking needs.
- By Tuesday afternoon, the DNR restored the main power source and three of the four pumps, though one pump remains inoperable and requires repair.
- The long-term effect on steelhead remains unknown as the facility continues significant modernization, including a joint project with the Army Corps to rebuild the sea lamprey barrier and trap.
Insights by Ground AI
11 Articles
11 Articles
Storm knocks out power to Little Manistee River weir, killing steelhead
DNR staff at the Little Manistee River Weir pull up dead steelhead from holding pens on Tuesday morning. A power outage at the weir knocked out oxygen pumps for the fish holding tanks. (Photo: Vivian La/IPR News)This story is made possible through a partnership between Interlochen Public Radio and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. A power outage at a key spot for collecting eggs from steelhead could threaten the upcoming fishi…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center
L 25%
C 75%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
