Great Lakes coastal wetlands yield a multitude of productive corridors for wildlife; however, these crucial habitats have been subject to degradation over many years. Degradation in the form of non-native cattail intrusion has diminished spawning habitat connectivity for fish. Restoration of habitat connectivity in the form of channeling has been implemented in many of these wetlands. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of habitat restoration on growth, condition, and presence/absence of three young of the year native fish species: Northern Pike (Esox lucius), Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), and Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides). Three to four restored wetland habitats within Braddock Bay, Cranberry Pond, and Buck Pond and three to four reference sites within these wetlands were sampled using passive gears during two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) from June to October. Water quality (temperature and dissolved oxygen) and nutrients (total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and chlorophyll-a) were also analyzed to help explain potential differences within wetland (restored vs reference) and among restored wetlands. Preliminary results will be presented to show the impacts of restoration on these three native fish species.
