Assessing the likelihood that ultraviolet radiation tissue damage (i.e., sunburn) impacts the survival of larval Lake Whitefish and other fishes

Grant: # 2102

Grant Amount: $126,890.00

Board Decision Year: 2025

Miami University - Biology

Biology

Schumacher, Jennifer ([email protected]) 5137853105

2025 Ecosystem Health and Sustainable Fish Populations: Ecological and Biological Research to Inform Management - Ecological and biological fisheries research to inform management

Project Summary

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a potential stressor impacting larval Lake Whitefish and other important fishes. However, it is unknown whether larval fishes experience lethal levels of UV exposure and if resulting mortality has contributed to observed population declines. Our project examines whether larval fishes, including Lake Whitefish, collected across Lake Michigan are subject to severe UV damage. Our results will provide insight into whether changes in nearshore nursery habitats contribute to apparent population declines.