3 Indigenous Tribes In Michigan Are Bringing Back a Fish That Vanished from the State Nearly 90 Years Ago

**Arctic Grayling’s Return: Tribes Work to Restore a Cultural Icon in Michigan**

A fish species once prevalent in Michigan’s waterways is being given another chance, thanks to the dedicated efforts of three local tribal nations. The Arctic grayling, known for its striking colours and distinctive sail-like fins, disappeared from Michigan’s streams by 1936 due to a combination of habitat destruction, overfishing, and the introduction of non-native trout species.

Historically significant to the Anishinaabek tribes, the Arctic grayling was called nmégos and served as an essential food source. However, as logging activities intensified, rivers were heavily impacted, leading to the degradation of the fish’s natural habitat. The presence of invasive brown trout further compounded the challenges faced by the grayling, ultimately resulting in its local extinction.

In a concerted effort to revive this culturally and ecologically important species, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians initiated a fish rearing programme in 2025. A significant milestone occurred when the tribes received approximately 400,000 eggs sourced from Alaska, where the grayling population remains genetically diverse and abundant.

The tribes are keenly aware that this initiative extends beyond mere ecological restoration. Tina Frankenberger, the tribal environmental resiliency lead for the Grand Traverse Band, emphasised that nurturing the grayling helps in re-establishing the tribes’ cultural heritage and traditions. This perspective underscores the intrinsic connection between land, water, and community identity.

According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the current reintroduction project began in May 2025. The egg distribution was a collaborative effort aimed at restoring a species that has been absent from the state’s ecosystems for decades. Biologist Dan Mays from the Grand Traverse Band remarked on the importance of reconnecting people with their environment, stating that the fish represent a vital link to their cultural practices.

Each participating tribe has adopted a tailored approach to the rearing and release of the grayling. The Grand Traverse Band, for instance, utilises a “streamside rearing” method, whereby young fish are nurtured in water sourced directly from the river where they will eventually be released. This year, the tribe successfully released around 8,000 grayling into the Boardman-Ottaway River, significantly increasing the number from the previous year’s total, which had faced setbacks due to a power outage.

The Little River Band has taken a different route by incubating eggs placed directly in the Manistee River. Biologist Alex Ontkos reported promising signs, as a substantial number of fry were observed swimming away from the incubators. However, no recaptured grayling have yet been reported, highlighting the challenges ahead.

The Little Traverse Bay Bands also encountered difficulties in their monitoring efforts due to adverse weather conditions, including severe flooding and ice storms that have affected parts of the watershed. Kris Dey, the hatchery manager for the team, expressed concerns about the long-term viability of grayling in Michigan, particularly given the expected warming of rivers as climate change progresses.

Despite the challenges, there have been signs of hope. Monitors on the Boardman-Ottaway River detected signals from some grayling that had been tagged prior to the recent release. However, fish and wildlife biologist Sean Leask cautioned that these signals could also indicate predation, highlighting the precariousness of the young fish’s survival.

Experts suggest that it may take between six and eight years to ascertain whether the Arctic grayling has successfully re-established itself in Michigan’s waters. This timeline reflects the complexities involved in restoring a species that once thrived but has now faced many obstacles over nearly a century.

The efforts of these tribal nations provide a glimpse into a more integrated approach to conservation where cultural significance, ecological integrity, and community values converge. The return of the Arctic grayling is about more than just fish; it embodies a cultural resurgence and a commitment to environmental stewardship that hopes to inspire the next generations.