Arctic grayling return to Michigan as reintroduction initiative gains momentum
Arctic grayling were once in abundance, but human actions caused their demise. There's a statewide collaboration that's on a mission to restore the native species.
Author: Brent Ashcroft
Updated: 6:18 PM EDT May 18, 2021
MANISTEE, Mich. — Around the onset of the 20th Century, Arctic grayling went from being the most abundant fish in Michigan waters, to being completely gone.
This cold water fish was mostly found in Michigan's northern, lower peninsula and served as the backbone of how the state's game and commercial fishing industry began.
What led to grayling's demise, and in the decades since, why has every restoration attempt failed?