Project Goals and Objectives: Remediate a contaminated site, add incidental habitat to steel sheet piling walls, and create one acre of fish spawning habitat

Project Description: The Detroit River has experienced substantial improvement of environmental quality over the past 35 years that has resulted in dramatic improvements in the fishery. Fishery scientists have documented the recovery of walleye from crisis levels in the 1970s and a return of lake sturgeon and lake whitefish to the river after several decades of absence. Recent U.S.-Canadian research and monitoring under the Huron-Erie Corridor Initiative has shown that, in general, environmental pollution is no longer limiting the fishery and that lack of proper spawning habitat is now the factor most limiting fish productivity. Scientists and managers are now able to restore habitat that was historically lost through building and dredging of shipping channels, and lost through waterfront developments.

Following remediation of a contaminated site, BASF Corporation recently added incidental habitat to 366 meters (1,2001 feet) of steel sheet piling, and created nearly one acre of habitat for walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and lake sturgeon in the Trenton Channel near the company’s Riverview property.

Cost: $100,000

Timeframe: 2007-2008

Partners: BASF Corporation

Ecological Effectiveness: In spring of 2009, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Geological Survey fishery biologists collected walleye and lake sturgeon in spawning-ready condition at this new habitat site. Lake sturgeon, a remnant of the dinosaur age, is a key indicator of ecosystem health and is considered a keystone species by scientists and fishery managers. Monitoring will continue to track fishery use and reproductive success at this site in the future.

Restoration Contact: BASF Corporation

Monitoring Contact: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Geological Survey