​Huron Bruce Nature learns about changing ecology of Lake Huron fish communities

The first meeting of the Huron Bruce Nature club’s 2025-26 season went swimmingly, with an excellent presentation on the changing ecology of Lake Huron fish communities by Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Management biologist Arunas Liskaukas.

Nearing retirement, after a 35-year “dream” career researching and working with fish, this passionate scientist gave an overview of the historic and current fish communities, the invasive species that threaten populations, and highlighted a few of the significant species, such as Whitefish, Walleye and Lake Trout.

Liskaukas explained that Lake Huron is a very diverse habitat due to the variety of depths, resulting in a diverse fish population. The offshore or deeper areas have changed most over the past century or more due to over-fishing and invasive species, such as the lamprey, and the decline of a critical food source, diporeia, a tiny shrimp-like creature with high nutritional value.

Invasive mussel species, zebra, and more recently, quagga, are re-engineering the eco-systems of the Great Lakes, said Liskaukas. These mollusks filter nutrients from the water and lock it in their bodies. Unfortunately, fish don’t eat them so the chain of energy exchange is broken. “All Too Clear” is a TVO documentary that uses underwater drones to explore the problem. Liskaukas featured footage from the series and highly recommended it to club members.

Lake Huron has experienced a major change in ecology in the past 20 years, with an 80-per-cent decline in prey fish and a corresponding decline in predator fish. Liskaukas detailed the problems faced by several important fish species, the research and management strategies that have been employed, the relative success or failure, and future prospects.

The presentation included a great deal of supporting data and the delivery was enthusiastic, thoughtful, frequently light-hearted, and impassioned. Club members asked interesting questions, many of which revealed ethical and philosophical dilemmas.

Prior to the featured presentation, president Christine Roberts welcomed new and returning members. She introduced the board, including new treasurer Gloria Bond, new membership convener Pat Ross-Smith, and new members-at-large Yvonne Bieman and Anne Scanlon.

She thanked all the board members for their dedication to their duties, and paid particular tribute to Barb and Bob Simpson who are leaving the executive after more than 10 years of service, as well as Rhodora Doughty and Joan McLaughlin who have stepped down as members-at-large.

At the request of Ontario Nature, club members continue to oppose Bill 5 and its weakening of environmental protections for endangered species and rare and critical habitats. A petition was distributed and members were encouraged to contact Huron-Bruce MPP, Lisa Thompson, urging her government to repeal the contentious legislation.

Club members approved donations to the Goderich to Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail to improve signage, and to Ontario Nature to support expansion of the Sauble Dunes Nature Reserve.

Members are asked to help with two work dates at the George G. Newton Nature Reserve, Oct. 24 and 26. The focus will be removal of the invasive species, European Buckthorn, and planting of native trees and shrubs to fill the cleared spaces.

The next meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m., at the Point Clark Community Centre. New members and guests are welcome. Inquiries can be made to christineroberts153@gmail.com.