Lake Erie Perch Decline Threatens Michigan Fish Dinners

For many Michiganders, Great Lakes perch is a favorite meal. But as Lake Erie perch numbers decline, finding a good perch dinner along Michigan’s shorelines is becoming increasingly difficult.

Commercial Perch Fishing in the Great Lakes Continues to Decline

Commercial perch fishing in the Great Lakes is heavily restricted and varies by region. Most yellow perch are commercially harvested in Lake Erie and Canadian waters. Commercial fishing on Lake Michigan has been largely suspended for decades, except for a small quota in Green Bay.

Lake Erie's commercial yellow perch fishery has faced steep declines over the past two decades. In 2016, anglers harvested about 7 million pounds of perch, but that total has been cut roughly in half in recent years.

It is now becoming harder to find perch dinners at some shoreline restaurants around the Great Lakes.

Why Are Lake Erie Perch Numbers Declining Each Year?

Many Michigan restaurants are moving away from serving perch dinners as Lake Erie's perch population and harvests continue to decline. WOOD TV8 reports that The Deck in Muskegon could no longer get a reliable supply of perch and has switched to serving walleye instead.

Researchers are still trying to determine what's behind Lake Erie's yellow perch decline. Leading theories include predation by larger walleye, harmful algae blooms, and warming water temperatures.