Environmental history of the St. Marys River

Population status and demographics of lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in the St. Marys River, from 2000 to 2007

“…During the past century the St. Marys River has been a site of extensive industrialization (see Ripley et al, 2011). The steel and shipping industry, paper processing mills, sewage treatment plants and tanneries have operated on the river and have contributed to the designation of this location as an international Area of Concern (USEPA, 1988).…”

“…The river and its biota have been impacted by many anthropogenic activities including shipping, sediment contamination, and shoreline development (see Ripley et al, 2011). Understanding the current status of lake sturgeon in the St. Marys River is an essential first step in protecting and recovering sturgeon populations in this area.…”

Ecological status of the St. Marys River: Foreword

“…Ripley et al (2011) summarize the environmental history of the SMR, including its listing as an AOC and the status of the RAP which outlines recommendations for delisting the SMR as an AOC. This article provides an historical context by characterizing the impacts that have occurred in the river and the need for further research.…”

An assessment of the health and historical changes of the nearshore fish community of the St. Marys River

“…This high habitat heterogeneity has resulted in a widely diverse fish community, containing some 75 fishes from 22 families (Duffy et al, 1987). Despite this diversity, the fish community was listed as impaired as part of the Areas of Concern process due to high sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) abundance, reliance on stocked non-native salmonines to support recreational and commercial fisheries, declines in native species due to overfishing, and concerns about habitat loss and aquatic invasive species (OMOE and MDNR, 1992;Ripley et al, 2011).…”