Sanctuary Speaker Series Features “Great Lakes Fishes: Tracking Lake Trout” with New York Sea Grant’s Great Lakes Fisheries & Ecosystem Specialist Stacy Furgal

The H. Lee White Maritime Museum is pleased to present “Great Lakes Fishes: Tracking Lake Trout” by Great Lakes Fisheries & Ecosystem Specialist Stacy Furgal of New York Sea Grant as part of their Sanctuary Speaker Series on Wednesday, September 23^rd at 6:00pm.

Join us for this free program that explores how fisheries in the Great Lakes have changed over time and shares highlights of an ongoing Lake Trout tagging and tracking project happening within and around the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. Fishing, as one of the oldest and most continuous forms of human interaction with the Great Lakes, can tell us a lot about the economic and social systems of New York’s coastal communities over time.   

Through her work with New York Sea Grant, Furgal focuses on research, education, and outreach surrounding the challenges and opportunities facing fisheries in New York’s Great Lakes. Her work examines the complex factors shaping these fisheries, from the impacts of invasive species and changing environmental conditions to shifting economic and social trends, harmful algal blooms, and fluctuations in prey fish populations that affect sport fish and anglers. She also works closely with the angling community, recognizing that the future of the Great Lakes fishery depends not only on healthy fish populations, but on engaging and supporting the next generation of anglers. By listening to anglers and incorporating their experiences and perspectives, Furgal works to help identify practical approaches to maintaining and enhancing these important fisheries.  For more information on the New York Sea Grant and all the great work they do, visit nyseagrant.org.

The H. Lee White Maritime Museum's new Sanctuary Speaker Series brings together experts in science, history, preservation, and underwater exploration, offering fresh perspectives on Lake Ontario and its cultural and natural resources, and is funded in part by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s Sanctuary Community Fund.  This program is offered free of charge and is open to the public.  The Maritime Museum and Treasure Chest Gift Shop are open daily, 1-5pm (10-5pm in July and August), on the West 1st St. Pier in Oswego Harbor’s Historic Maritime District.  For more information on this or other programs, contact the Museum at 315-342-0480 or visit hlwmm.org.