As the new chief of the Michigan Department of Conservation’s Fish Division in 1964, Howard A. Tanner was challenged to “do something . . . spectacular.” He met that challenge by leading the successful introduction of coho salmon into the Michigan waters of the Great Lakes. This volume illustrates how Tanner was able to accomplish this feat: from a detailed account of his personal and professional background that provided a foundation for success; the historical and contemporary context in which the Fish Division undertook this bold step to reorient the state’s fishery from commercial to sport; the challenges, such as resistance from existing government institutions and finding funding, that he and his colleagues faced; the risks they took by introducing a nonnative species; the surprises they experienced in the first season’s catch; to, finally, the success they achieved in establishing a world-renowned, biologically and financially beneficial sport fishery in the Great Lakes. Tanner provides an engaging history of successfully introducing Pacific salmon into the lakes from the perspective of an ultimate insider.
ContentsForeword, by John L. HesseAcknowledgmentsIntroductionDeveloping a Firm FoundationGrowing Up with the FishesThe “Greatest Generation” Goes to WarBuilding the Educational FrameworkProfessional PractitionerThe Great Lakes ContextThe Inland SeasHuman History and the Great Lakes FisheryFisheries ManagementMichigan MattersMeanwhile in MichiganReturning to MichiganCommercial FishingThe Great Lakes Fishery CommissionTribal Fishing RightsFishes of the Great LakesLake TroutSea LampreyAlewifeSalmonIntroducing CohoThe CallA New Day DawnsSupporting and Opposing ForcesEggs from OregonThe Hatchery SituationPreparing to LaunchFinancial ChallengesMaking the CaseNew PersonnelThe First ReleaseApril 2, 1966—the Official BeginningThe Summer of 1966The Jack RunPromise FulfilledAlewives RepriseThe Dream Come True and a NightmareSwimming UpstreamSustaining the ExcitementFurther DevelopmentsStewardship and ContaminantsEconomicsConclusionNotesIndex