The Corps of Engineers and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fish for data

By Melanie PetersonDecember 23, 2020

Jon Sobiech, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District deputy chief regional planning and environment division north, and Jeff Steere, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District recreation and natural resources section supervisor,...
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Jon Sobiech, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District deputy chief regional planning and environment division north, and Jeff Steere, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District recreation and natural resources section supervisor, accompany Minnesota Department of Natural Resource staff to capture fish at Big Sandy Lake, near McGregor, Minnesota, Oct. 8. (Photo Credit: Melanie Peterson) VIEW ORIGINAL
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources staff insert a transmitter into a fish at Big Sandy Lake, near McGregor, Minnesota, Oct. 8. .
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Minnesota Department of Natural Resources staff insert a transmitter into a fish at Big Sandy Lake, near McGregor, Minnesota, Oct. 8. . (Photo Credit: Melanie Peterson) VIEW ORIGINAL

The St. Paul District, in agreement with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, or MNDNR, is studying fish movement in and around the Big Sandy Lake watershed, as well as impacts on the aquatic community from operation of Sandy Lake Dam, near McGregor, Minnesota.

Walleye are currently being tagged, but additional species such as Northern Pike and Tulibee may be included in the future. Fisheries biologists from the MNDNR use a technique called electrofishing to stun fish so they can capture and surgically insert a transmitter into the fish.

Receivers are placed in and around Big Sandy Lake to detect and record data.

This tracking data will assist in estimating escapement rates through Sandy Lake Dam, movement upstream into tributaries, mortality rates and angler harvest rates. The data may inform future harvest regulations, dam management practices and the possibility of a fish passage.

“This study will allow us to better understand how fish live and move within the Big Sandy Lake watershed. By better understanding these vital resources, we can better protect and ensure a stronger future for them,” said Sam Smith, project manager. “This study utilizes a Corps of Engineers program to take advantage of MNDNR expertise and accomplish a shared objective.”