Synthesizing Existing Knowledge of Cisco and Bloater Life History and Population Dynamics in Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron with Reintroduction Efforts in Lake Ontario

The seven cisco (Coregonus spp.) species endemic to the Great Lakes basin underwent numerous extirpations in the 20^th century, largely due to overfishing but also resulting from negative interactions with invasive species and habitat degradation.  This loss was especially severe in lakes Erie and Ontario where all cisco species were extirpated, or nearly so.  In lakes Michigan and Huron, five of seven and three of five species, respectively, were lost.  One cisco species (of five) was lost from Lake Superior.  Managers in Lake Ontario are actively seeking to reintroduce a deepwater cisco species to restore ecosystem function and to diversify the prey base for lake trout and Chinook salmon.  In this talk, we explore the extent to which the current research and understanding of cisco life history and population dynamics in the upper lakes (which serve as potential source populations) can inform the reintroduction process in Lake Ontario.  Specifically, we will summarize the key research and logistical questions from Lake Ontario managers.  We will provide an overview of putative recruitment bottlenecks and morphometric variation of bloater (Coregonus hoyi) and cisco (Coregonus artedi) in lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron.  The synthesis of existing research understanding in the upper lakes with the critical management needs in Lake Ontario should provide a sound scientific basis for realistic restoration goals for Lake Ontario ciscoes, identifying the best approaches for measuring restoration success, and prioritizing future cisco research needs.