Regular surveys using both shoreline and deep-water nets show a dramatic improvement in the Onondaga Lake fishery promoted by clean up efforts and habitat restoration around the lake in wetlands and tributaries.
"More than 170 species of fish, birds and other wildlife have already returned to the area as a result of 71 acres of wetlands that we’ve restored," said John McAulife, Honeywell project manager.
In order to improve the fishery, over the next year we’ll be putting plants in shallow areas of the lake and installing fish habitat structures on the lake bottom.
Habitat structures like the one featued in the video above. It’s called a porcupine crib.
"A porcupine crib is a fish structure built in a pyramid shape with an open interior," said Anne Burnham of Parsons Engineering. "The crib provides shelter and feeding opportunities for smaller fish when algae grows on the structure.
Constructed on shore, the cribs are taken by boat out onto the lake.
The crib is weighted down with rocks so it sinks to the bottom.
Placement of the cribs is important so they’re deep enough not to be a hazard for the growing number of boaters using the lake.
In Onondaga Lake, 46 porcupine cribs will be added to deeper water areas near shore to attract game fish for anglers.