CHARLEVOIX, MI (AP)-- State teams are conducting the latest in a series of fish surveys in Lake Michigan to learn more about populations of lake perch and other species that live near the shore.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says crews from the Charlevoix Fisheries Research Station began the latest survey Monday and will continue through Sept. 11.
They're taking samples in shallow waters near the ports of South Haven, Grand Haven, Portage, Pentwater, Charlevoix and Petoskey.
For 20 years, the department has joined other Lake Michigan natural resources agencies in assessing the condition of yellow perch.
Charlevoix station manager Dave Clapp says early signs suggest this will be a good year for spawning and survival of young fish, as those hatched in 2010 and 2011 are reaching full maturity.
