Lake Superior trout have made a remarkable recovery. But federal cuts could put them in danger
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Sixty years ago, lake trout were nearing extinction in Lake Superior — thanks to an invasive, eel-like fish called sea lamprey.
But lake trout have made a remarkable recovery. Last year, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission declared the lake trout fully restored in Lake Superior, and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior has been able to resume traditional fishing practices on those waters.
MPR News reporter Dan Kraker joined a recent fishing trip. He spoke with Ashla Ojibway of Superior, Wis., who does not take the lake trout’s recovery for granted.
"Just to be out on the big lake and be practicing some of our treaty rights that we haven’t been able to for such a long time — it’s amazing how this population has come back,” Ojibway said.
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But lake trout could be in danger once again, due to cuts at the federal level to the program that helped save the fish.
Minnesota-based freelance reporter Katie Thornton reported on these cuts for the New Yorker.
She spoke with MPR News host Clay Masters about her reporting.
Press play above to listen to their conversation.
