DNR Launches Virtual Fish Database For Anglers

By Edward Cardenas

SOUTHFIELD (CBS Detroit) - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has launched a new Web application with information about fish populations in selected streams across the state.

The Stream Fish Population Trend Viewer was developed by the DNR's Fisheries Division, and has information including the abundance, growth and survival of fish populations of more than 40 streams dating back to 1947.

"The focus is on streams with long-term data and naturally reproducing populations of trout, Great Lakes salmonids or smallmouth bass to provide users with information on self-sustaining fish populations around the state,"  said Troy Zorn, DNR fisheries research biologist, in a release.

The new website provides fishery managers with regional trends and anglers with information about the abundance, growth and annual survival of selected fish species.

Information can be viewed in map, graph or table formats on the website. The state reports that new data will be added annually.

The Stream Fish Population Trend Viewer app can be found at: http://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/fishpop/