Message from the Sturgeon Logo Artist:

“When I became involved with the sturgeon program, I

discovered they (LRBOI Natural Resources Depart-
Nmé
ment)
me had a novel approach to rehabilitate the sturgeon
population.
p That approach inspired me and caught (Lake Sturgeon)
my imagination. I felt the program was ahead of its
time and needed a special logo to highlight how im-
portant the program was. The elements in the stur-
geon logo reflect the long-term goals of the Stew-
ardship Plan. What appears to be a life-cycle at first
glance is actually seven generations. Caring for the
next “Seven Generations: is one of our traditional
teachings. There are the four colors of the four di-
rections
r and there are four waves which represent the
four
f seasons in Michigan.”
-Patrick Wilson
Stewardship Plan
for the
This plan developed by the LRBOI Natural Resources Department and the Nmé Cultural Context Task Group. Big Manistee
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
River and
Natural Resources Department 1836 Reservation
375 River Street, Manistee, Michigan 49660
(888) 723-1594
www.lrboi.com/nrd

“There is no greater respect

p for “Mother Earth” than when you are able to release a
sturgeon with
i h your own hands.
h d There
Th is
i a heart
h felt
f l joy
j as you release
l the
h young stur-
geon swim down the river knowing that someday there will be thousands of sturgeon Little River Band
swimming upriver to spawn.”
-Patrick Wilson of Ottawa Indians
 Nmé Additional Assessment, Research and Management Needs

Additional Assessment, Research and Management Needs

Continue larval drift surveys and use larval abundance as a surrogate for natural reproduction

Stewardship Develop an index of relative abundance for juvenile nmé residing in the Big Manistee River
Encourage commercial fisherman to participate in nmé assessments; all commercially licensed fishers will have nmé report-

Plan ing kits on their vessel and shall report capture

Great Lakes assessments conducted by the LRBOI staff will document capture of all nmé in assessment gear
Continue collaboration with management agencies and universities to identify the genetic diversity within the local stock
Estimate the historical abundance and extent and range of nmé in the Big Manistee River Watershed
Continue growth comparison between SRF-reared nmé and wild-reared nmé
Continue evaluation of streamside-reared and wild nmé habitat use and selection, movement patterns, river residency time
and dispersal
Implement inter-agency task group to continue efforts to create the Tunk Hole nmé spawning site
Periodically monitor and estimate adult population size

Contents Fully implement sturgeon provisions detailed in 2007 Inland Consent Decree with State of Michigan

Literature Cited
Executive Summary
Auer, N.A. 1999. Lake sturgeon: A unique and imperiled species in the Great Lakes. Pages 515-536 in Taylor W.T., and C.P. Fer-
Goals Toward Stewardship reri, editors. Great Lakes Fisheries Policy and Management: A Binational Perspective. Michigan State University Press, Lansing,
Michigan.
Cultural Context Auer, N.A., and E.A. Baker. 2002. Duration of drift of larval lake sturgeon in the Sturgeon River, Michigan. Journal of Applied
Ichthyology 18: 557-564.
Biological Perspective Chiotti, J.A. 2004. Evaluation of spawning habitat, juvenile habitat, and larval drift of lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in the
Big Manistee River, Michigan. Master’s Thesis. Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan.
Issues and Objectives Chiotti, J.A., J.M. Holtgren, N.A. Auer, and S.A. Ogren. 2008. Lake Sturgeon Spawning Habitat in the Big Manistee River, Michigan,
USA. North American Journal of Fisheries Management.
Issue 1: Genetic Conservation Damstra, R.A. 2007. Stock assessment, spawning movements, and habitat use of lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens Rafinesque)
and Stock Supplementation in the Manistee River System, Michigan. Master’s Thesis. Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan.
Issue 2: Habitat Protection DeHaan, P.W. 2003. Demographic and life history characteristics of remnant lake sturgeon populations in the upper Great Lakes
basin: inferences based on genetic analyses. Master’s Thesis, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.
and Enhancement
Lallaman, J. J., R. A. Damstra, and T. L. Galarowicz. 2008. Population assessment and movement patterns of lake sturgeon (Aci-
Issue 3: Contaminants penser fulvescens) in the Manistee River, Michigan, USA. Journal of Applied Ichthyology 24 (1): 1-6.
Issue 4: Ecological Considerations Holtgren, J.M., S.A. Ogren, A.J. Paquet, and S. Fajfer. 2007. Design of a Portable Streamside Rearing Facility for Lake Sturgeon.
North American Journal of Aquaculture 69: 317–323.
Issue 5: Law Enforcement and Harvest
Holtgren, J.M., and N.A. Auer. 2004. Movement and habitat of juvenile lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in the Sturgeon
Issue 6: Public Involvement River/Portage Lake system, Michigan. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 19 (3): 419-432.
and Cultural Education Holtgren, J.M. 2002. Results of lake sturgeon recruitment studies conducted in the Big Manistee River, Michigan. Little River Band
of Ottawa Indians, Natural Resources Report #2002-3. Manistee, Michigan.

Additional Assessment, Research Nielsen, L.A. 1999. History of inland fisheries management in North America. Pages 3-30 in Kohler C.C., and W.A. Hubert, editors.
Inland fisheries management in North America, 2nd edition. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.
and Management Needs Ogren, S.A. 2004. Natural Resources Report #2004-4. Tribal Clean Water Act Section 106 Grant – Final Report FY 2003-2004.
Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Natural Resources Department, Manistee, Michigan.
Literature Cited Rediske, R., J. Gabrosek, C. Thompson, C. Bertin, J. Blunt and P.G. Meier. 2001. AWRI Publication #TM-2001-7. Great Lakes Na-
tional Program Office #985906-01. Environmental Protection Agency. Chicago, Illinois.
Tody, W.H. 1974. Whitefish, sturgeon, and the early Michigan commercial fishery. Pages 45 – 60 in Michigan Fisheries Centen-
nial Report 1873 – 1973. Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Lansing, Michigan.
LRBOI (Little River Band of Ottawa Indians). 2008. Nmé (Lake Sturgeon) Yeomans, L.H-N. 2002. Seasonal movements of adult lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) and larval abundance in the Big Man-
Stewardship Plan for the Big Manistee River and 1836 Reservation. istee River, Michigan. Master’s Thesis. Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan.
Natural Resources Department, Special Report 1, Manistee.
Zollweg, E.A., R.F. Elliot, T.D. Hill, H.R. Quinlan, E. Trometer and J.W. Weisser. 2003. Great Lakes Lake Sturgeon Coordination Meet-
ing – Proceedings of the December 11-12, 2002 Workshop. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Report to the Great Lakes Fishery Trust.
Public Education and Involvement The Big Manistee River watershed may once have held one of the largest nmé

Executive Summary
(sturgeon) populations in the Lake Michigan Basin. From time immemorial,
The Tribe acknowledges the importance of public the Anishinaabek reverenced the nmé and looked forward annually to the
involvement in successful rehabilitation of the Big rite of spring when the Anishinaabek would reunite on the banks of the Big
Manistee River nmé population. Developing com- Manistee River for the nmé runs. Today, the nmé come back to the river not as
munication and information exchange between a healthy component of either the river or Tribal culture. The nmé come back
all interested parties shall be a priority. Events tar- now embattled – only a few who can be called survivors. These reduced runs
geted for cultural education shall be developed of nmé are cause for great disease among the Anishinaabek, yet these issues
and conducted annually. comprise much more than a single species of fish – they necessarily involve
the breadth and scope of Anishinaabek culture, the cultures of all the People
Public Education of the Great Lakes, the integrity of the Big Manistee watershed and the health
of all species that live therein.
and Involvement Objectives
For nmé and the Big Manistee watershed to survive and to prosper once
Host an annual nmé release cer- again, a paradigm shift is required – from management driven by anthro-
emony; fish reared in the streamside pocentric concerns to a perspective of stewardship and harmony with the
rearing facility will be released with environment. Non-Indian fisheries management has focused on owning the
Tribal and community involvement fishery, where the resource is common property and owned by the entire
Develop a Tribal brochure about populace (Nielsen 1999). Alternatively, the focus of the Anishinaabek has cen-
the Nmé Stewardship Plan outlining tered not on ownership, but harmony, where people do not own the land,
the cultural relevance of the nmé, air, or water; they are simply part of it. This indigenous philosophy requires
importance to the Big Manistee River profound respect for the environment we live in and the recognition that all
watershed, stewardship strategies, things are connected.
and details about the unique life-history
This Stewardship Plan represents the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ (LR-
Distribute brochures and educational
BOI’s) holistic management approach and addresses not only the Big Man-
material throughout the community and
istee River where the nmé return to spawn, but also the entire watershed and
through media sources
Great Lakes basin. The plan also addresses numerous issues that are facing the
Maintain annual open houses for the public to visit watershed, such as poor and degraded habitat and the continuing deteriora-
and learn about the nmé rearing facility and the Stew- tion of the watershed; the river’s fragmentation by hydroelectric dams that
ardship Plan for the Big Manistee River population block migratory routes of fish; and the contamination of the watershed. Issues
Encourage local schools to participate in sturgeon rearing such as contamination are not merely a local issue, but must be considered a
practices by conducting field trips threat to the region, and any resolution must involve the input and participa-
tion of multiple, contiguous jurisdictions. The plan is aimed at rehabilitating
Present findings of nmé research and rehabilitation at public
and reclaiming nmé, and it also provides for the health and general improve-
meetings, schools, and national and regional scientific confer-
ment of the animal and plant Peoples that reside within the watershed. The
ences
LRBOI is convinced that by reclaiming the nmé to their rightful place within
the watershed, balance will be brought to the river’s other organisms. The
stewardship of species, populations and ecosystems can be made more effec-
tive by understanding and protecting species like the nmé that require large
areas and diverse habitat types to continue to thrive.

Finally, this plan will be adaptive; it is intended that the principles established
herein be applied immediately and the nmé can begin to increase despite
uncertainty over future supplemental or substitutive restoration strategies by
the LRBOI or other management agencies. This plan defines issues, details
actions to be implemented, and describes means to evaluate these actions. By
applying an adaptive management strategy, the reclamation and restoration
activities will be modified as indicated by ongoing scientific evaluation.

“When putting the sturgeon back in the river, I felt it was one of the most meaningful acts the LRBOI
has done. It was very emotional.”
-Marcella Leusby
Goals Toward Stewardship Law Enforcement and Harvest

Issues and Objectives

This plan incorporates both cultural and biological criteria for establishing goals for Protecting the Big Manistee River nmé population from
restoration of the Big Manistee River nmé population. An LRBOI Cultural Context Task illegal harvest or harassment is critical for rehabilitation and,
Group, composed of Tribal members and Tribal government staff, addressed the ultimately, for sustainability of the stock. The LRBOI Law En-
cultural context. Tribal biologists developed the biological criteria to be consistent and forcement is committed to protecting the nmé resource and
ultimately driven by the cultural context. The LRBOI is currently participating in the Lake habitat through proactive patrolling and information sharing
Michigan Lake Sturgeon Task Group that is charged with developing a management with other agencies. Law enforcement can also assist in
plan for sturgeon in the Lake Michigan Basin. Tribal staff developed the biological com- protecting the nmé by collecting biological data through
ponents of the LRBOI plan to harmonize with the basin-wide plan. cooperation with natural resource staff and other appropri-
ate agencies.
Restore the harmony and connectivity between nmé and the Anishinaabek
and bring them both back to the river Even though subsistence and commercial harvest of nmé
Restore the nmé and reclaim the environment on which it depends for future will likely not be implemented for many years, this plan en-
generations of nmé and Anishinaabek in perpetuity compasses a return to such harvests as a long-term strategy.
Historically, the Anishinaabek cultural and spiritual identity
Emphasize strategies that promote natural reproduction and a healthy watershed
was inextricably intertwined with the annual harvest of the
Protect Tribal sovereignty and Treaty rights Big Manistee River nmé. The subsistence use of nmé will
continue in the future as the population of nmé becomes
healthy. The LRBOI and Michigan DNR shall collaboratively
determine a harvestable size for the Big Manistee River
nmé population by establishing the minimum stock size for
harvest.

Law Enforcement Objectives

Ensure adequate enforcement protection is given to
congregating nmé during spawning migrations into
“It is an ancient fish; a person could only get knowledge from a large fish or
the Big Manistee River watershed
mshiike (turtle) because they have been here long enough to see so much.”
Current focus areas are Manistee Lake, Old Bridge
Pool, Suicide Bend, and Tunk Hole
-Jay Sam

Harvest Objectives
Determine minimum stock size appropriate for main-
taining a subsistence and ceremonial fishery
Issues and Objectives Numeric Target Goals for Restoration

Goals Toward Stewardship

Contaminants
25-Year Target
The level of contaminants in Big Manistee River nmé has relatively high concentrations of heavy metals and PCB’s. Con-
taminants are concentrated in fish like nmé because of their slow growth, prolonged age, and feeding habits. Concerns Establish a self-sustaining, naturally reproducing nmé population, with at least
exist regarding the future consumption of nmé. Anishinaabek peoples historically consumed nmé for subsistence and 750 nmé capable of spawning, even though not all would spawn in a common
ceremonial purposes. If these cultural practices need to be discontinued because of the contaminant levels found in nmé, year. The adult population would be comprised of females age 20-70, and
Anishinaabek culture would be attenuated. males age 12-55.

Contaminant Objectives
Apply the Tribe’s standardized fish tissue testing protocols to include testing on any nmé incidentally killed or col-
7 Generation Target
lected by law enforcement agents
Return the population to pre-1836 levels and/or to the contemporary car-
Determine contaminant levels for nmé in the Big Manistee River watershed
rying capacity of the Big Manistee River. The adult population would be
Use risk assessment to determine consumption guidance for current contaminant levels comprised of females age 20-70, and males age 12-55.
Identify, reduce and/or eliminate contaminants discharging into the Big Manistee River watershed
Work in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency, State of Michigan Fish and Wildlife Service and
other Great Lakes agencies on regional contamination issues
Recognize the effects of air deposition on contaminant loads in the watershed; be active at the regional scale in
minimizing the risks of airborne contaminants

Ecological Considerations

Since the 1836 Treaty of Washington, the fish community has changed dramatically in the Big Manistee River watershed.
Invasive exotics, such as the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), rusty crayfish
(Orconectes rusticus) and zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) may pose obstruction to rehabilitation efforts.

Additionally, the State of Michigan has introduced non-native trout and salmon species in the Big Manistee River with
heavy stocking of rainbow and brown trout since the 1940’s. These intentional introductions may compete for resources
and may prey on drifting nmé larvae.

Ecological Objectives
Determine impact of invasive exotics, such as round goby and rusty crayfish, on nmé eggs and drifting larvae
Determine effects of salmonid stocking on nmé survival, paying special attention to the drifting larval stage; evalu-
ate timing of salmonid stocking to determine possible minimum impact on nmé larvae survival
Work collaboratively with management agencies to decrease negative ecological interactions between nmé and
non-native fish

“We are not introducing, we are rehabilitating...we are assisting and saving our
mother, grandfather and cousin.”
-Art deBres and Jay Sam
Cultural Context Habitat Protection and Enhancement

Issues and Objectives

The current methodology used in the science of ecology relies heavily upon the close examina- Maintaining and enhancing quality habitat for all life-stages of nmé is critical for long-term viability of the Big
tion of certain indicator species to effectively monitor the cohesive interrelationship that exists Manistee River population. The LRBOI recognizes the importance of working with other agencies and landown-
between the fauna and flora types of a particular region. ers to protect habitat and the watershed. The US Forest Service (USFS) is a primary landowner in the lower Big
Manistee River Watershed, and Tribal efforts will continue with the USFS to co-manage the watershed resources.
Indicator species such as the nmé can also be utilized to model the cultural and sustainable The State of Michigan has a Lake Sturgeon Management Plan that outlines sturgeon restoration strategies. The
well-being of a given society, specifically the Woodlands Anishinaabek Culture of the Great Tribes and the State of Michigan have entered into an agreement (2007 Inland Consent Decree) that allows for
Lakes region. Historical accounts demonstrate annual migration of Anishinaabek to specific collaborative fishery restoration, reclamation and enhancement projects. A collaborative effort toward lake stur-
areas that posed the greatest yield of resources. Regardless of the vast abundance of natural geon restoration will be developed. An important component of this plan is to guide decisions toward increasing
resources the Anishinaabek had within their grasp (pre-European contact), they still maintained in-river habitat and to use a watershed scale when maintaining, rehabilitating and reclaiming nmé habitat. These
a conservative approach to their harvesting practices, ever mindful that the balance of nature efforts will be focused on the protection of upland and riparian habitats and will concurrently improve in-river
was (and still is) in a constant state of change. This ecological practice of the Anishinaabek is processes and water quality.
further illustrated by various seasonal Ceremonies initiated to appeal to their Manitos (higher
powers) through profound reverence of songs, prayers, fasting and personal sacrifice for the Currently, suitable habitat for spawning appears to be a limiting factor in rehabilitating the Big Manistee River
bounty that would sustain them throughout the coming year. nmé population. Hydroelectric dams on the river have forced nmé to alter their historical migrational routes and
have degraded habitat. Ensuring a natural flow regime and replacing habitat currently blocked by dams is an
Waste of life and resources was highly discouraged essential component to providing an appropriate amount of habitat for spawning fish, eggs, larvae and juvenile
and is still believed by the Anishinaabek to bring fish. Habitat restoration may need to include fish passage around barriers at all life-stages. Nmé habitat will be as-
shame and misfortune upon those responsible for sessed to clearly identify the loss of historical habitat, currently available habitat, and areas that may be enhanced
such actions. With this in mind, it is not difficult to or reclaimed. Habitat preservation and enhancement is already an important component of Tribal natural
imagine the level of sorrow the Anishinaabek cer- resources activities.
tainly must have felt while witnessing the ravenous
demise of the species that they had relied upon
since the beginning of time. Compounding this
Habitat Protection and Enhancement Objectives
emotional turmoil even further, they were forced
Determine locations and assess habitat where nmé are currently spawning
(through the necessity of survival) to competitively
participate in the demise of their own cultural Define potential nmé spawning sites and characterize sites for their restoration suitability
indicators through the means of hunting, trap- Promote old growth forest for riparian management and maintain current levels of large woody debris in
ping and fishing to provide for their families and the river
community. Since that time, cultural indicator
Protect benthic habitat in northeast Manistee Lake where nmé are known to stage before their spawning
species such as woodlands caribou, elk, buffalo,
migration
timber wolf, grayling, nmé and others have been
over-harvested to the brink of extinction. Sadly, Identify and restore areas with sub-optimal forage base in Manistee Lake
only a handful of the Anishinaabe cultural indica- Ensure protection of nmé when dredging occurs in Manistee Lake and the river channel to Lake Michi-
tor species still exist. gan
Describe movement patterns and residency of each nmé life-stage to help time construction activities that
Despite the continuing effects of pollution, irre-
may affect water quality
sponsible hunting, fishing and gathering practices,
exotic species, and depleted habitats, a few of the Characterize habitat used during early-life stages and protect and enhance
Anishinaabe cultural indicator species do persist. Maintain run-of-river flows during re-licensing or any modification of operation of the hydroelectric facility
This is evident in the annual return of the nmé to
Decrease sedimentation in watershed by improving eroding streambanks, failing road-stream crossings,
the river and the return of the wolf to the Northern
and degraded recreational access areas
Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Herein lies the hope
for the restoration of the culture and its People to their Work collaboratively with other Tribes, the USFS and State of Michigan to protect habitat by maintain-
rightful place along the Manistee. ing the Memorandum of Understanding joined by the LRBOI and Forest Service and the Inland Consent
Decree joined by the State of Michigan and LRBOI

“Bringing back the sturgeon is bringing back our cultural heritage.”

-Patrick Wilson
Issues and Objectives The cultural importance of the nmé to the LRBOI can be captured by listening

Cultural Context
to the voice of the Anishinaabek. The following section includes this “voice”
Genetic Conservation and Stocking of the members and their families, collected over weeks, years, and some
through generations.
Remnant populations of nmé within the Great Lakes Basin exhibit unique genetic structuring that suggests
reproductive isolation (DeHaan 2003). This genetic structuring implies a high degree of philopatry – tendency to “Our ancestors are here with us; if it were not meant to be, none
return to a specific area – to their natal streams and emphasizes the importance of considering imprinting and of us would be here right now. The biologists were sent to
homing when selecting an intervention technique, such as stocking. Because of this unique genetic structuring, Nmé are part of our us for a reason. The motivation for others (agencies) is not
genetic conservation within small remnant stocks, such as the Big Manistee River, is a high priority (Zollweg et al. spiritual and cultural always there for the sturgeon; it is there for the Tribe.”
2003, Holtgren et al. 2007). Even though the nmé population in the Big Manistee River is numerically depressed, identity. - Don Stone
it does not display decreased genetic diversity or higher levels of relatedness compared to larger populations
(DeHaan 2003). This suggests that using river-specific, locally adapted stocks (progeny collected from the Big “The grandfather fish (sturgeon), and its relatives the
The annual nmé return undermouth fish (sucker), they would sacrifice them-
Manistee River) to rehabilitate these stocks is not only possible, but preferred.
and its celebration by our selves during the sucker moon so the people would have
Since 2004, the LRBOI has operated a streamside rearing facility (SRF) on the Big Manistee River and stocked fin- Peoples assure the renewal food until the other crops were available.” - Jay Sam
gerling nmé. This approach is unique from traditional stocking practices insofar as larvae are collected and reared and continuation of human
in their natal water source, replete with natural temperature and water chemistry attributes. The Tribe adopted and all other life. “These fish were here when our ancestors were
this approach because the fish would not be removed from their natal water source and it may maintain imprint- here.” - Don Stone
ing. The LRBOI is evaluating this strategy to determine if it presents an appropriate rehabilitation option and
Historically, we were wealthy/ “This is a rare fish, rare clan. Decline of the stur-
maintains appropriate performance and genetic attributes of the nmé population.
healthy Peoples because of sus- geon has corresponded with decline in sturgeon
tenance based, in part, on nmé. clan families. Only a few sturgeon clan families are
Genetic Conservation and Stocking Objectives known around here.” - Kenny Pheasant

Rear and release up to 1000 sturgeon per year from the Big Manistee River streamside rearing facility; no The Creator put the nmé in the “They are important part of people’s lives,
more then 10% of larvae/eggs should be collected Big Manistee River. The nmé how they lived, and their lives as Anishinaabek
Reared fish will be released at locations where wild juvenile nmé have been captured or observed previ- and the rivers they use are part of people. These are symbols of Anishinaabek
ously in the Big Manistee River our sense of place. The Creator clans.” - Jimmie Mitchell
put us here where the nmé return.
At a minimum, streamside rearing will occur annually until:
We are obliged to remain and “The sturgeon were so big they would be
1. A target goal of 750 fish capable of spawning is estimated to have been achieved; and protect this place. distributed amongst the community for use.
2. The SRF has continued operations for at least 10 years to accommodate all current female nmé The harvesters would keep some of the fish for
within the population capable of spawning since they may spawn only every 3 to 9 years themselves and also share with other families.” -
Tag all SRF-reared fish so they may be individually identified after stocking
As a food source for thousands John Koon
of years, nmé continue to be a vital,
Collect tissue samples from YOY and age 1 wild and reared Big Manistee River nmé to estimate numbers
albeit currently diminished, aspect “There were different places on the river that
of contributing adults from progeny genotype arrays and estimate if parental contribution is distributed
of our nutritional health. were set for sturgeon clans. People used to stay
similarly between wild and reared cohorts
where the birch bark was. They would catch fish
Evaluate the effects that stocking SRF-reared fish has on the Manistee population with nets. There were specific areas for sucker
Because the LRBOI population
Determine relative contribution of wild- versus SRF-reared nmé sturgeon runs.” - Jimmie Mitchell
is growing (returning to pre-1836
Estimate spawning site fidelity between SRF-reared and wild-reared fish levels), the needs for nmé are “The clan mothers and the older clan women who
more important than ever. were fish clan from up North and this area they
did ceremonies each spring as part of the cycle
The annual return of the nmé when fish came in. In February and March, there
allows the transfer of traditional would be a big rumble; it would be the ice on the
river. The women would go down to do ceremony
values from generation to
on the river.” - Jay Sam
generation.
“The people marked areas where sturgeon clan would
Without nmé returning to fish. The families probably had prayer houses there.
our rivers and streams, we There were many Odawa people who were Waabano
would lose an indicator lodge people.” - Beverly Thierien
species and an important
“The sturgeon were the buffalo of the Odawa people.” -
part of our culture.
p Jimm
mie Mitchell
Jimmie

“When n I was young,

younng,
g, they
the
heyy used to talk about the sturgeon being
harvestted like grayl
harvested lin
ing.
g ” - Jay
grayling.” J Sam

“(Becaus
“(Because se sturgeon
sturrgeon populations
pop
p pulaat were depleted) You will not have
LRBOI streamside rearing facility the privilege catch
atch this fish.”
ge to ca sh.” - Jerome Pheasant, speaking to his
fish
sh
son many years ago o
Biological Perspective There are two known nmé spawning sites on the Big Manistee River: Suicide

Biological Perspective
Bend (1.4 rkm below Tippy Dam) and the Old Bridge Pool (8.8 rkm below
Historical Perspective Tippy Dam). Spawning seems to occur annually at Suicide Bend as eggs have
been documented, and larvae have been captured just below the site (Chiotti
The nmé is one of the most unique fishes in the Great Lakes. The nmé is the et al. 2008). Even though eggs have been captured periodically at Old Bridge
largest and longest-lived, and displays delayed maturity, high fecundity, and Pool, it is unknown whether spawning occurs annually.
low natural mortality in adults compared to other fish species. Historically,
these traits were advantageous to the nmé because they buffered extreme Since 2002, the LRBOI Natural Resources Department has collected larvae
environmental conditions and fluctuations. Under extreme anthropogenic annually during May and June at Sawdust Hole (rkm 3 below Tippy Dam).
pressures, such as habitat destruction and over-fishing, these traits have not Research in other remnant nmé stocks has shown that larvae drift quickly
been advantageous for rebounding small, remnant populations. Nevertheless, downstream after hatching, with a portion of the young fish remaining in
the nmé’s very existence may be attributed to these life-history traits. Preced- the upper part of the river and drifting later in the year (Auer and Baker 2002,
ing the 1880’s, the nmé was one of the most numerous fishes recorded in the Holtgren and Auer 2004). Even though this pattern may be consistent with
commercial catch records (Auer 1999). the Big Manistee River nmé, it has also been observed that some juveniles re-
side in the Big Manistee River through their second year of life (Chiotti 2004).
The Big Manistee River population is believed to have been one of the largest The young nmé use areas of the river where the river bottom is mixed with
in the Lake Michigan Basin. Beginning in the 1890’s, however, the Great Lakes pea gravel and sand (Chiotti 2004, Holtgren and Auer 2004). It is unknown
suffered a dramatic decline in sturgeon and populations decreased to less whether the juvenile nmé reside in Manistee Lake or Lake Michigan after they
than one percent of their historical abundance (Tody 1974). Reasons for the immediately leave the Big Manistee River. LRBOI staff and commercial fishers
decline were similar amongst the Great Lakes tributaries: habitat destruction, have captured juvenile nmé in assessment gear and commercial nets in Lake
elimination of migratory routes, and over-harvest. Each of these factors con- Michigan just outside of the Manistee and Ludington ports.
tributed substantially to the decline of nmé in the Big Manistee River.
Big Manistee River Perspective
Population Status
The Big Manistee River watershed has suffered the abuse of extreme habitat
The Big Manistee River maintains a remnant population of nmé and, even destruction due to poor forestry management practices, such as clear-cutting,
though it is very small, it is believed to be the largest on the eastern shoreline numerous rollways, and subsequent log drives that were conducted during
of Lake Michigan. It is estimated that approximately 21-66 nmé enter the the 1800’s. The logging industry caused considerable change in riparian veg-
Big Manistee River each year to spawn (Lallaman 2008). In 2002, the LRBOI etation which led to severe bank erosion and, potentially, the warming of river
documented natural reproduction by capturing larvae. Additionally, the LRBOI water and the altering of flow regimes. Increased sedimentation into the river
have captured nmé larvae annually during drift surveys. Other LRBOI stud- likely covered nmé and other fish spawning and nursery areas and severely
ies documented recruitment to the juvenile stage in the Big Manistee River decreased macroinvertebrate abundance and species diversity. The removal
(Chiotti 2004). of large woody debris for navigation likely resulted in an unstable river bot-
tom and the removal of natural sediment basins and habitat for animals. The
1918 installation of Tippy Dam eliminated access of nmé to historic spawn-
Life-History Attributes ing grounds and altered flow regimes. The river below Tippy Dam has been
the focus of numerous habitat improvement initiatives which have begun to
Manistee Lake is a known staging area for nmé prior to upriver spawning (Lal- restore critical habitat.
laman 2003). Through telemetry studies, nmé have been observed residing
in Manistee Lake for extended periods, both pre- and post-spawning, with
a majority of contacts located in the northeastern bay of Manistee Lake. This
aggregation may be due to the increased forage available compared to the
southern end of Manistee Lake, where the shoreline is predominantly industry
and contains contaminated sediments, and low macroinvertebrate densities
(Rediske et al. 2001, Ogren 2004, Damstra 2007). Spawners from the Manistee
system have been observed frequenting Green Bay as evidenced by recap-
turing of marked fish and by stock determination through analysis of genetic
material collected in Green Bay.

Annually in late April, when water temperatures range between 8-14ºC, nmé
begin their spawning migration from Manistee Lake to the Big Manistee River
(Yeomans 2002). At approximately 11ºC, spawning usually begins. Fertilized
nmé eggs are adhesive and attach to rocky substrates and, depending on
water temperature, incubate over a 6-10 day period. Newly hatched fry begin
drifting downstream at night approximately 11-17 days after spawning (Auer
and Baker 2003, Chiotti 2004).

“The sturgeon teaches certain aspects

to the People...when they come back, the
People will come back.”
-Jay Sam and Jimmie Mitchell
Issues and Objectives The cultural importance of the nmé to the LRBOI can be captured by listening

Cultural Context
to the voice of the Anishinaabek. The following section includes this “voice”
Genetic Conservation and Stocking of the members and their families, collected over weeks, years, and some
through generations.
Remnant populations of nmé within the Great Lakes Basin exhibit unique genetic structuring that suggests
reproductive isolation (DeHaan 2003). This genetic structuring implies a high degree of philopatry – tendency to “Our ancestors are here with us; if it were not meant to be, none
return to a specific area – to their natal streams and emphasizes the importance of considering imprinting and of us would be here right now. The biologists were sent to
homing when selecting an intervention technique, such as stocking. Because of this unique genetic structuring, Nmé are part of our us for a reason. The motivation for others (agencies) is not
genetic conservation within small remnant stocks, such as the Big Manistee River, is a high priority (Zollweg et al. spiritual and cultural always there for the sturgeon; it is there for the Tribe.”
2003, Holtgren et al. 2007). Even though the nmé population in the Big Manistee River is numerically depressed, identity. - Don Stone
it does not display decreased genetic diversity or higher levels of relatedness compared to larger populations
(DeHaan 2003). This suggests that using river-specific, locally adapted stocks (progeny collected from the Big “The grandfather fish (sturgeon), and its relatives the
The annual nmé return undermouth fish (sucker), they would sacrifice them-
Manistee River) to rehabilitate these stocks is not only possible, but preferred.
and its celebration by our selves during the sucker moon so the people would have
Since 2004, the LRBOI has operated a streamside rearing facility (SRF) on the Big Manistee River and stocked fin- Peoples assure the renewal food until the other crops were available.” - Jay Sam
gerling nmé. This approach is unique from traditional stocking practices insofar as larvae are collected and reared and continuation of human
in their natal water source, replete with natural temperature and water chemistry attributes. The Tribe adopted and all other life. “These fish were here when our ancestors were
this approach because the fish would not be removed from their natal water source and it may maintain imprint- here.” - Don Stone
ing. The LRBOI is evaluating this strategy to determine if it presents an appropriate rehabilitation option and
Historically, we were wealthy/ “This is a rare fish, rare clan. Decline of the stur-
maintains appropriate performance and genetic attributes of the nmé population.
healthy Peoples because of sus- geon has corresponded with decline in sturgeon
tenance based, in part, on nmé. clan families. Only a few sturgeon clan families are
Genetic Conservation and Stocking Objectives known around here.” - Kenny Pheasant

Rear and release up to 1000 sturgeon per year from the Big Manistee River streamside rearing facility; no The Creator put the nmé in the “They are important part of people’s lives,
more then 10% of larvae/eggs should be collected Big Manistee River. The nmé how they lived, and their lives as Anishinaabek
Reared fish will be released at locations where wild juvenile nmé have been captured or observed previ- and the rivers they use are part of people. These are symbols of Anishinaabek
ously in the Big Manistee River our sense of place. The Creator clans.” - Jimmie Mitchell
put us here where the nmé return.
At a minimum, streamside rearing will occur annually until:
We are obliged to remain and “The sturgeon were so big they would be
1. A target goal of 750 fish capable of spawning is estimated to have been achieved; and protect this place. distributed amongst the community for use.
2. The SRF has continued operations for at least 10 years to accommodate all current female nmé The harvesters would keep some of the fish for
within the population capable of spawning since they may spawn only every 3 to 9 years themselves and also share with other families.” -
Tag all SRF-reared fish so they may be individually identified after stocking
As a food source for thousands John Koon
of years, nmé continue to be a vital,
Collect tissue samples from YOY and age 1 wild and reared Big Manistee River nmé to estimate numbers
albeit currently diminished, aspect “There were different places on the river that
of contributing adults from progeny genotype arrays and estimate if parental contribution is distributed
of our nutritional health. were set for sturgeon clans. People used to stay
similarly between wild and reared cohorts
where the birch bark was. They would catch fish
Evaluate the effects that stocking SRF-reared fish has on the Manistee population with nets. There were specific areas for sucker
Because the LRBOI population
Determine relative contribution of wild- versus SRF-reared nmé sturgeon runs.” - Jimmie Mitchell
is growing (returning to pre-1836
Estimate spawning site fidelity between SRF-reared and wild-reared fish levels), the needs for nmé are “The clan mothers and the older clan women who
more important than ever. were fish clan from up North and this area they
did ceremonies each spring as part of the cycle
The annual return of the nmé when fish came in. In February and March, there
allows the transfer of traditional would be a big rumble; it would be the ice on the
river. The women would go down to do ceremony
values from generation to
on the river.” - Jay Sam
generation.
“The people marked areas where sturgeon clan would
Without nmé returning to fish. The families probably had prayer houses there.
our rivers and streams, we There were many Odawa people who were Waabano
would lose an indicator lodge people.” - Beverly Thierien
species and an important
“The sturgeon were the buffalo of the Odawa people.” -
part of our culture.
p Jimm
mie Mitchell
Jimmie

“When n I was young,

younng,
g, they
the
heyy used to talk about the sturgeon being
harvestted like grayl
harvested lin
ing.
g ” - Jay
grayling.” J Sam

“(Becaus
“(Because se sturgeon
sturrgeon populations
pop
p pulaat were depleted) You will not have
LRBOI streamside rearing facility the privilege catch
atch this fish.”
ge to ca sh.” - Jerome Pheasant, speaking to his
fish
sh
son many years ago o
Cultural Context Habitat Protection and Enhancement

Issues and Objectives

The current methodology used in the science of ecology relies heavily upon the close examina- Maintaining and enhancing quality habitat for all life-stages of nmé is critical for long-term viability of the Big
tion of certain indicator species to effectively monitor the cohesive interrelationship that exists Manistee River population. The LRBOI recognizes the importance of working with other agencies and landown-
between the fauna and flora types of a particular region. ers to protect habitat and the watershed. The US Forest Service (USFS) is a primary landowner in the lower Big
Manistee River Watershed, and Tribal efforts will continue with the USFS to co-manage the watershed resources.
Indicator species such as the nmé can also be utilized to model the cultural and sustainable The State of Michigan has a Lake Sturgeon Management Plan that outlines sturgeon restoration strategies. The
well-being of a given society, specifically the Woodlands Anishinaabek Culture of the Great Tribes and the State of Michigan have entered into an agreement (2007 Inland Consent Decree) that allows for
Lakes region. Historical accounts demonstrate annual migration of Anishinaabek to specific collaborative fishery restoration, reclamation and enhancement projects. A collaborative effort toward lake stur-
areas that posed the greatest yield of resources. Regardless of the vast abundance of natural geon restoration will be developed. An important component of this plan is to guide decisions toward increasing
resources the Anishinaabek had within their grasp (pre-European contact), they still maintained in-river habitat and to use a watershed scale when maintaining, rehabilitating and reclaiming nmé habitat. These
a conservative approach to their harvesting practices, ever mindful that the balance of nature efforts will be focused on the protection of upland and riparian habitats and will concurrently improve in-river
was (and still is) in a constant state of change. This ecological practice of the Anishinaabek is processes and water quality.
further illustrated by various seasonal Ceremonies initiated to appeal to their Manitos (higher
powers) through profound reverence of songs, prayers, fasting and personal sacrifice for the Currently, suitable habitat for spawning appears to be a limiting factor in rehabilitating the Big Manistee River
bounty that would sustain them throughout the coming year. nmé population. Hydroelectric dams on the river have forced nmé to alter their historical migrational routes and
have degraded habitat. Ensuring a natural flow regime and replacing habitat currently blocked by dams is an
Waste of life and resources was highly discouraged essential component to providing an appropriate amount of habitat for spawning fish, eggs, larvae and juvenile
and is still believed by the Anishinaabek to bring fish. Habitat restoration may need to include fish passage around barriers at all life-stages. Nmé habitat will be as-
shame and misfortune upon those responsible for sessed to clearly identify the loss of historical habitat, currently available habitat, and areas that may be enhanced
such actions. With this in mind, it is not difficult to or reclaimed. Habitat preservation and enhancement is already an important component of Tribal natural
imagine the level of sorrow the Anishinaabek cer- resources activities.
tainly must have felt while witnessing the ravenous
demise of the species that they had relied upon
since the beginning of time. Compounding this
Habitat Protection and Enhancement Objectives
emotional turmoil even further, they were forced
Determine locations and assess habitat where nmé are currently spawning
(through the necessity of survival) to competitively
participate in the demise of their own cultural Define potential nmé spawning sites and characterize sites for their restoration suitability
indicators through the means of hunting, trap- Promote old growth forest for riparian management and maintain current levels of large woody debris in
ping and fishing to provide for their families and the river
community. Since that time, cultural indicator
Protect benthic habitat in northeast Manistee Lake where nmé are known to stage before their spawning
species such as woodlands caribou, elk, buffalo,
migration
timber wolf, grayling, nmé and others have been
over-harvested to the brink of extinction. Sadly, Identify and restore areas with sub-optimal forage base in Manistee Lake
only a handful of the Anishinaabe cultural indica- Ensure protection of nmé when dredging occurs in Manistee Lake and the river channel to Lake Michi-
tor species still exist. gan
Describe movement patterns and residency of each nmé life-stage to help time construction activities that
Despite the continuing effects of pollution, irre-
may affect water quality
sponsible hunting, fishing and gathering practices,
exotic species, and depleted habitats, a few of the Characterize habitat used during early-life stages and protect and enhance
Anishinaabe cultural indicator species do persist. Maintain run-of-river flows during re-licensing or any modification of operation of the hydroelectric facility
This is evident in the annual return of the nmé to
Decrease sedimentation in watershed by improving eroding streambanks, failing road-stream crossings,
the river and the return of the wolf to the Northern
and degraded recreational access areas
Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Herein lies the hope
for the restoration of the culture and its People to their Work collaboratively with other Tribes, the USFS and State of Michigan to protect habitat by maintain-
rightful place along the Manistee. ing the Memorandum of Understanding joined by the LRBOI and Forest Service and the Inland Consent
Decree joined by the State of Michigan and LRBOI

“Bringing back the sturgeon is bringing back our cultural heritage.”

-Patrick Wilson
Issues and Objectives Numeric Target Goals for Restoration

Goals Toward Stewardship

Contaminants
25-Year Target
The level of contaminants in Big Manistee River nmé has relatively high concentrations of heavy metals and PCB’s. Con-
taminants are concentrated in fish like nmé because of their slow growth, prolonged age, and feeding habits. Concerns Establish a self-sustaining, naturally reproducing nmé population, with at least
exist regarding the future consumption of nmé. Anishinaabek peoples historically consumed nmé for subsistence and 750 nmé capable of spawning, even though not all would spawn in a common
ceremonial purposes. If these cultural practices need to be discontinued because of the contaminant levels found in nmé, year. The adult population would be comprised of females age 20-70, and
Anishinaabek culture would be attenuated. males age 12-55.

Contaminant Objectives
Apply the Tribe’s standardized fish tissue testing protocols to include testing on any nmé incidentally killed or col-
7 Generation Target
lected by law enforcement agents
Return the population to pre-1836 levels and/or to the contemporary car-
Determine contaminant levels for nmé in the Big Manistee River watershed
rying capacity of the Big Manistee River. The adult population would be
Use risk assessment to determine consumption guidance for current contaminant levels comprised of females age 20-70, and males age 12-55.
Identify, reduce and/or eliminate contaminants discharging into the Big Manistee River watershed
Work in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency, State of Michigan Fish and Wildlife Service and
other Great Lakes agencies on regional contamination issues
Recognize the effects of air deposition on contaminant loads in the watershed; be active at the regional scale in
minimizing the risks of airborne contaminants

Ecological Considerations

Since the 1836 Treaty of Washington, the fish community has changed dramatically in the Big Manistee River watershed.
Invasive exotics, such as the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), rusty crayfish
(Orconectes rusticus) and zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) may pose obstruction to rehabilitation efforts.

Additionally, the State of Michigan has introduced non-native trout and salmon species in the Big Manistee River with
heavy stocking of rainbow and brown trout since the 1940’s. These intentional introductions may compete for resources
and may prey on drifting nmé larvae.

Ecological Objectives
Determine impact of invasive exotics, such as round goby and rusty crayfish, on nmé eggs and drifting larvae
Determine effects of salmonid stocking on nmé survival, paying special attention to the drifting larval stage; evalu-
ate timing of salmonid stocking to determine possible minimum impact on nmé larvae survival
Work collaboratively with management agencies to decrease negative ecological interactions between nmé and
non-native fish

“We are not introducing, we are rehabilitating...we are assisting and saving our
mother, grandfather and cousin.”
-Art deBres and Jay Sam
Goals Toward Stewardship Law Enforcement and Harvest

Issues and Objectives

This plan incorporates both cultural and biological criteria for establishing goals for Protecting the Big Manistee River nmé population from
restoration of the Big Manistee River nmé population. An LRBOI Cultural Context Task illegal harvest or harassment is critical for rehabilitation and,
Group, composed of Tribal members and Tribal government staff, addressed the ultimately, for sustainability of the stock. The LRBOI Law En-
cultural context. Tribal biologists developed the biological criteria to be consistent and forcement is committed to protecting the nmé resource and
ultimately driven by the cultural context. The LRBOI is currently participating in the Lake habitat through proactive patrolling and information sharing
Michigan Lake Sturgeon Task Group that is charged with developing a management with other agencies. Law enforcement can also assist in
plan for sturgeon in the Lake Michigan Basin. Tribal staff developed the biological com- protecting the nmé by collecting biological data through
ponents of the LRBOI plan to harmonize with the basin-wide plan. cooperation with natural resource staff and other appropri-
ate agencies.
Restore the harmony and connectivity between nmé and the Anishinaabek
and bring them both back to the river Even though subsistence and commercial harvest of nmé
Restore the nmé and reclaim the environment on which it depends for future will likely not be implemented for many years, this plan en-
generations of nmé and Anishinaabek in perpetuity compasses a return to such harvests as a long-term strategy.
Historically, the Anishinaabek cultural and spiritual identity
Emphasize strategies that promote natural reproduction and a healthy watershed
was inextricably intertwined with the annual harvest of the
Protect Tribal sovereignty and Treaty rights Big Manistee River nmé. The subsistence use of nmé will
continue in the future as the population of nmé becomes
healthy. The LRBOI and Michigan DNR shall collaboratively
determine a harvestable size for the Big Manistee River
nmé population by establishing the minimum stock size for
harvest.

Law Enforcement Objectives

Ensure adequate enforcement protection is given to
congregating nmé during spawning migrations into
“It is an ancient fish; a person could only get knowledge from a large fish or
the Big Manistee River watershed
mshiike (turtle) because they have been here long enough to see so much.”
Current focus areas are Manistee Lake, Old Bridge
Pool, Suicide Bend, and Tunk Hole
-Jay Sam

Harvest Objectives
Determine minimum stock size appropriate for main-
taining a subsistence and ceremonial fishery
Public Education and Involvement The Big Manistee River watershed may once have held one of the largest nmé

Executive Summary
(sturgeon) populations in the Lake Michigan Basin. From time immemorial,
The Tribe acknowledges the importance of public the Anishinaabek reverenced the nmé and looked forward annually to the
involvement in successful rehabilitation of the Big rite of spring when the Anishinaabek would reunite on the banks of the Big
Manistee River nmé population. Developing com- Manistee River for the nmé runs. Today, the nmé come back to the river not as
munication and information exchange between a healthy component of either the river or Tribal culture. The nmé come back
all interested parties shall be a priority. Events tar- now embattled – only a few who can be called survivors. These reduced runs
geted for cultural education shall be developed of nmé are cause for great disease among the Anishinaabek, yet these issues
and conducted annually. comprise much more than a single species of fish – they necessarily involve
the breadth and scope of Anishinaabek culture, the cultures of all the People
Public Education of the Great Lakes, the integrity of the Big Manistee watershed and the health
of all species that live therein.
and Involvement Objectives
For nmé and the Big Manistee watershed to survive and to prosper once
Host an annual nmé release cer- again, a paradigm shift is required – from management driven by anthro-
emony; fish reared in the streamside pocentric concerns to a perspective of stewardship and harmony with the
rearing facility will be released with environment. Non-Indian fisheries management has focused on owning the
Tribal and community involvement fishery, where the resource is common property and owned by the entire
Develop a Tribal brochure about populace (Nielsen 1999). Alternatively, the focus of the Anishinaabek has cen-
the Nmé Stewardship Plan outlining tered not on ownership, but harmony, where people do not own the land,
the cultural relevance of the nmé, air, or water; they are simply part of it. This indigenous philosophy requires
importance to the Big Manistee River profound respect for the environment we live in and the recognition that all
watershed, stewardship strategies, things are connected.
and details about the unique life-history
This Stewardship Plan represents the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ (LR-
Distribute brochures and educational
BOI’s) holistic management approach and addresses not only the Big Man-
material throughout the community and
istee River where the nmé return to spawn, but also the entire watershed and
through media sources
Great Lakes basin. The plan also addresses numerous issues that are facing the
Maintain annual open houses for the public to visit watershed, such as poor and degraded habitat and the continuing deteriora-
and learn about the nmé rearing facility and the Stew- tion of the watershed; the river’s fragmentation by hydroelectric dams that
ardship Plan for the Big Manistee River population block migratory routes of fish; and the contamination of the watershed. Issues
Encourage local schools to participate in sturgeon rearing such as contamination are not merely a local issue, but must be considered a
practices by conducting field trips threat to the region, and any resolution must involve the input and participa-
tion of multiple, contiguous jurisdictions. The plan is aimed at rehabilitating
Present findings of nmé research and rehabilitation at public
and reclaiming nmé, and it also provides for the health and general improve-
meetings, schools, and national and regional scientific confer-
ment of the animal and plant Peoples that reside within the watershed. The
ences
LRBOI is convinced that by reclaiming the nmé to their rightful place within
the watershed, balance will be brought to the river’s other organisms. The
stewardship of species, populations and ecosystems can be made more effec-
tive by understanding and protecting species like the nmé that require large
areas and diverse habitat types to continue to thrive.

Finally, this plan will be adaptive; it is intended that the principles established
herein be applied immediately and the nmé can begin to increase despite
uncertainty over future supplemental or substitutive restoration strategies by
the LRBOI or other management agencies. This plan defines issues, details
actions to be implemented, and describes means to evaluate these actions. By
applying an adaptive management strategy, the reclamation and restoration
activities will be modified as indicated by ongoing scientific evaluation.

“When putting the sturgeon back in the river, I felt it was one of the most meaningful acts the LRBOI
has done. It was very emotional.”
-Marcella Leusby
 Nmé Additional Assessment, Research and Management Needs

Additional Assessment, Research and Management Needs

Continue larval drift surveys and use larval abundance as a surrogate for natural reproduction

Stewardship Develop an index of relative abundance for juvenile nmé residing in the Big Manistee River
Encourage commercial fisherman to participate in nmé assessments; all commercially licensed fishers will have nmé report-

Plan ing kits on their vessel and shall report capture

Great Lakes assessments conducted by the LRBOI staff will document capture of all nmé in assessment gear
Continue collaboration with management agencies and universities to identify the genetic diversity within the local stock
Estimate the historical abundance and extent and range of nmé in the Big Manistee River Watershed
Continue growth comparison between SRF-reared nmé and wild-reared nmé
Continue evaluation of streamside-reared and wild nmé habitat use and selection, movement patterns, river residency time
and dispersal
Implement inter-agency task group to continue efforts to create the Tunk Hole nmé spawning site
Periodically monitor and estimate adult population size

Contents Fully implement sturgeon provisions detailed in 2007 Inland Consent Decree with State of Michigan

Literature Cited
Executive Summary
Auer, N.A. 1999. Lake sturgeon: A unique and imperiled species in the Great Lakes. Pages 515-536 in Taylor W.T., and C.P. Fer-
Goals Toward Stewardship reri, editors. Great Lakes Fisheries Policy and Management: A Binational Perspective. Michigan State University Press, Lansing,
Michigan.
Cultural Context Auer, N.A., and E.A. Baker. 2002. Duration of drift of larval lake sturgeon in the Sturgeon River, Michigan. Journal of Applied
Ichthyology 18: 557-564.
Biological Perspective Chiotti, J.A. 2004. Evaluation of spawning habitat, juvenile habitat, and larval drift of lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in the
Big Manistee River, Michigan. Master’s Thesis. Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan.
Issues and Objectives Chiotti, J.A., J.M. Holtgren, N.A. Auer, and S.A. Ogren. 2008. Lake Sturgeon Spawning Habitat in the Big Manistee River, Michigan,
USA. North American Journal of Fisheries Management.
Issue 1: Genetic Conservation Damstra, R.A. 2007. Stock assessment, spawning movements, and habitat use of lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens Rafinesque)
and Stock Supplementation in the Manistee River System, Michigan. Master’s Thesis. Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan.
Issue 2: Habitat Protection DeHaan, P.W. 2003. Demographic and life history characteristics of remnant lake sturgeon populations in the upper Great Lakes
basin: inferences based on genetic analyses. Master’s Thesis, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.
and Enhancement
Lallaman, J. J., R. A. Damstra, and T. L. Galarowicz. 2008. Population assessment and movement patterns of lake sturgeon (Aci-
Issue 3: Contaminants penser fulvescens) in the Manistee River, Michigan, USA. Journal of Applied Ichthyology 24 (1): 1-6.
Issue 4: Ecological Considerations Holtgren, J.M., S.A. Ogren, A.J. Paquet, and S. Fajfer. 2007. Design of a Portable Streamside Rearing Facility for Lake Sturgeon.
North American Journal of Aquaculture 69: 317–323.
Issue 5: Law Enforcement and Harvest
Holtgren, J.M., and N.A. Auer. 2004. Movement and habitat of juvenile lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in the Sturgeon
Issue 6: Public Involvement River/Portage Lake system, Michigan. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 19 (3): 419-432.
and Cultural Education Holtgren, J.M. 2002. Results of lake sturgeon recruitment studies conducted in the Big Manistee River, Michigan. Little River Band
of Ottawa Indians, Natural Resources Report #2002-3. Manistee, Michigan.

Additional Assessment, Research Nielsen, L.A. 1999. History of inland fisheries management in North America. Pages 3-30 in Kohler C.C., and W.A. Hubert, editors.
Inland fisheries management in North America, 2nd edition. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.
and Management Needs Ogren, S.A. 2004. Natural Resources Report #2004-4. Tribal Clean Water Act Section 106 Grant – Final Report FY 2003-2004.
Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Natural Resources Department, Manistee, Michigan.
Literature Cited Rediske, R., J. Gabrosek, C. Thompson, C. Bertin, J. Blunt and P.G. Meier. 2001. AWRI Publication #TM-2001-7. Great Lakes Na-
tional Program Office #985906-01. Environmental Protection Agency. Chicago, Illinois.
Tody, W.H. 1974. Whitefish, sturgeon, and the early Michigan commercial fishery. Pages 45 – 60 in Michigan Fisheries Centen-
nial Report 1873 – 1973. Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Lansing, Michigan.
LRBOI (Little River Band of Ottawa Indians). 2008. Nmé (Lake Sturgeon) Yeomans, L.H-N. 2002. Seasonal movements of adult lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) and larval abundance in the Big Man-
Stewardship Plan for the Big Manistee River and 1836 Reservation. istee River, Michigan. Master’s Thesis. Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan.
Natural Resources Department, Special Report 1, Manistee.
Zollweg, E.A., R.F. Elliot, T.D. Hill, H.R. Quinlan, E. Trometer and J.W. Weisser. 2003. Great Lakes Lake Sturgeon Coordination Meet-
ing – Proceedings of the December 11-12, 2002 Workshop. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Report to the Great Lakes Fishery Trust.
 Message from the Sturgeon Logo Artist:

“When I became involved with the sturgeon program, I

discovered they (LRBOI Natural Resources Depart-
Nmé
ment)
me had a novel approach to rehabilitate the sturgeon
population.
p That approach inspired me and caught (Lake Sturgeon)
my imagination. I felt the program was ahead of its
time and needed a special logo to highlight how im-
portant the program was. The elements in the stur-
geon logo reflect the long-term goals of the Stew-
ardship Plan. What appears to be a life-cycle at first
glance is actually seven generations. Caring for the
next “Seven Generations: is one of our traditional
teachings. There are the four colors of the four di-
rections
r and there are four waves which represent the
four
f seasons in Michigan.”
-Patrick Wilson
Stewardship Plan
for the
This plan developed by the LRBOI Natural Resources Department and the Nmé Cultural Context Task Group. Big Manistee
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
River and
Natural Resources Department 1836 Reservation
375 River Street, Manistee, Michigan 49660
(888) 723-1594
www.lrboi.com/nrd

“There is no greater respect

p for “Mother Earth” than when you are able to release a
sturgeon with
i h your own hands.
h d There
Th is
i a heart
h felt
f l joy
j as you release
l the
h young stur-
geon swim down the river knowing that someday there will be thousands of sturgeon Little River Band
swimming upriver to spawn.”
-Patrick Wilson of Ottawa Indians