The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has completed an experimental aquatic habitat reclamation project at Brocton Shoal in Lake Erie. The project used a new high-velocity jetting method to clean and restore historical spawning grounds for lake trout.
“This innovative project in Lake Erie supports DEC’s goals to help enhance native fish populations through habitat reclamation,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “The success of the experimental project has huge implications for native fish restoration, habitat rehabilitation, and invasive mussel control throughout the Great Lakes Basin and across New York State.”
Brocton Shoal, located about 10 miles southwest of Dunkirk, was once a major spawning area for lake trout due to its glacial rock piles with crevices needed for egg protection. The introduction of zebra and quagga mussels in the 1990s led to significant habitat decline by covering these rocks with silt, sand, and shells, making them unsuitable for spawning. These invasive species have caused ecological changes and infrastructure damage in many waterways across New York State.
DEC’s Lake Erie Fisheries Research Unit worked with Seaway Marine Group from Clayton, New York, to develop and use the jetting nozzle at two test sites in mid-September. The device removed debris from rock piles located 50–60 feet underwater. An underwater drone was used by DEC staff to monitor and adjust the process during deployment.
Collaboration also included the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Lower Great Lakes office and The Nature Conservancy (TNC). USFWS provided detailed sonar mapping before work began, while TNC conducted dive assessments before and after jetting. Early results show that the method is effective for restoring spawning habitats; monitoring will continue to assess recolonization by mussels and use by lake trout during fall spawning.
“The Nature Conservancy is proud to conduct underwater habitat assessments as part of this collaborative project to evaluate the effectiveness of the jetting. The initial observations and data are promising, and it’s been exciting to contribute to a partnership focused on improving fish habitat in Lake Erie,” said TNC scientist Phillipa Kohn.
This effort follows several other DEC projects aimed at identifying, assessing, and restoring lake trout habitats. Historically, lake trout were dominant predators in Lake Erie but disappeared by 1965 due to overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species. Restoration attempts began in 1982 focusing on stocking programs and sea lamprey control; wild fry were observed again in 2021—the first evidence of natural reproduction there in six decades.
For more information about ongoing efforts or details on the Lake Erie Lake Trout Rehabilitation Plan (PDF), visit DEC’s website or contact their Lake Erie Fisheries Research Unit.
