Integrating acoustic telemetry research into management: successes and challenges in the Laurentian Great Lakes
In the Laurentian Great Lakes, the application of acoustic telemetry to track fish movements has evolved into an important part of multijurisdictional management. Nevertheless, barriers remain in translating telemetry research into management or conservation actions. Here, we synthesize acoustic telemetry literature within the Great Lakes basin to explore factors that have contributed to successes and failures of integrating research with the needs of decision-making processes. Collaboration between researchers and managers, facilitated by consistent opportunities for stakeholder engagement, stood out as one of the most effective means of integration. For example, 79% (95 of 127) of articles published (up to 2023) included co-authorship by both government and academic organizations. Case studies on lake sturgeon ( Acipenser fulvescens), walleye ( Sander vitreus), and sea lamprey ( Petromyzon marinus) further highlight how telemetry has informed management through collaborative engagement among researchers, stakeholders, and managers, as well as ongoing challenges. By exploring facets of acoustic telemetry research and connections to conservation and fisheries concerns, we identify pathways to reduce knowledge–action gaps widely applicable within and outside of the Great Lakes.
Authors
- David G. Fielder (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7278-986X)
- Matthew D. Faust (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9385-2744)
- Michael J. Siefkes (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5387-2780)
- Troy G. Zorn (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7552-6398)
- Christopher M. Holbrook (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8203-6856)
- Ana Paula Barbosa Martins (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3691-9644)
- Arun Oakley-Cogan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2694-2501)
- Todd C. Wills
- Jordan K. Matley (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4286-597X)
- Aaron Thomas Fisk (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4208-4068)
- Daniel A. Isermann (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1151-9097)
- Connor W. Elliott
- Natalie V. Klinard (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7809-9360)
- Dimitry Gorsky (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1708-539X)
- Christopher S. Vandergoot (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4128-3329)
- Andrew S. Briggs (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0268-9310)
- Jonathan D. Midwood (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2774-6083)
- Dan Wilfond
- Travis Hartman
- Justin A. VanDeHey
Institutions
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources (US)
- United States Geological Survey (US)
- Dalhousie University (CA)
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources (US)
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (CA)
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (US)
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service (US)
- Great Lakes Fishery Commission (US)
- Flinders University (AU)
- University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (US)
- Queen's University (CA)
- Great Lakes Science Center (US)
- Michigan United (US)
- University of Windsor (CA)
- James Cook University (AU)
- Michigan State University (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
- Published
- 2025-01-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2024-0335
- Citations
- 5
- Primary Topic
- Underwater Acoustics Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 8.97