About Us
Established in 1992, the Alpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office meets Service fishery goals in Lake Huron, western Lake Erie and connecting waterways of the St. Marys River, St. Clair River and Detroit River. Activities operate from three substations located in Michigan. The Alpena, MI office coordinates activities conducted on Lake Huron; the Detroit River Fish Laboratory located in Gibraltar, MI coordinates activities conducted in western Lake Erie and the St. Clair-Detroit River System; and the M/V Spencer F. Baird vessel is docked in Cheboygan, MI and conducts offshore fish stocking and research in lakes Michigan and Huron.
Our Mission
We work to conserve and restore native fish species, monitor for aquatic invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species , restore aquatic habitat that benefits fish and wildlife and assist tribal and national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge partners with fishery issues.
Our History
1992 - The office was established in Alpena, Michigan under the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1990 to meet Service priorities on Lake Huron and western Lake Erie.
2002 - Activities were first initiated at the now Detroit River Fish Laboratory (substation) to meet fishery goals in western Lake Erie and the connecting channels of the St. Clair-Detroit River System.
2006 - The M/V Spencer F. Baird, a 95-foot fish stocking vessel, was commissioned to continue Service offshore fish stocking. Offshore fish stocking began in 1989 using the M/V Togue which was decommissioned and replaced with the M/V Spencer F. Baird.
2020 - Detroit River Fish Laboratory was co-located near the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.