Extension - Fisheries and Native Species
Habitat Preservation and Restoration

Habitat alteration and destruction pose real threats to Pennsylvania's fisheries. Pennsylvania Sea Grant, in cooperation with the S.O.N.S of Lake Erie and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, is dedicated to preserving and restoring fish habitat in Presque Isle Bay and Pennsylvania's coastal waters. To date, over 150 artificial fish habitat structures have been placed in Presque Isle Bay to provide shelter for spawning and young-of-the year fish. Sea Grant staff have also assisted with outreach efforts, producing the factsheet Fish Habitat Structures in Presque Isle Bay that describes the types of fish habitat structures used in Presque Isle Bay and their locations.

Future tasks for Sea Grant staff include working with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, watershed organizations, and local stakeholders on the restoration of Fourmile creek (tributary to Lake Erie). Planned efforts include dam removals, construction of fish passages to open habitat to migratory and resident fish species, and use of porous-parking lots to prevent polluted runoff (nonpoint source pollution) from entering the stream.