Research Buoys - Whitefish Bay, Milwaukee

Whitefish Bay - Be aware, research in progress A research project is currently being conducted in Whitefish Bay by scientists from UW-Milwaukee's School of Freshwater Sciences, north of Milwaukee with fixed sampling equipment in the water from 30 feet to 130 feet depth contours. Three sets of equipment running perpendicular to shore are located within Whitefish Bay from Fox Point (43.173 N) on the north and Linwood Ave Water Treatment Plant/Lake Park (43.075 N) on the southern end. Be aware of these buoys if you're fishing in this area. This research is studying the nearshore currents to look at how sediments and other things, like algae, are transported along the lakeshore. Sampling equipment at the buoys will be collecting information on water temperature, currents, and water clarity. Please keep your eyes open in this part of the lake. This research is important for our increased understanding of how and where currents move along the lake. These currents are linked to larval fish transport, offshore food webs, and the distribution of quagga mussels. Better understanding of the currents may also lead to understanding of the movement patterns of bait fish and the sport fish that feed on them.

Following up on Greybeard's comment: I’m not involved in the buoy project, but tried to help get the word out about the buoys. If they decide to do the project next year, the buoys will be better marked. The researcher said they also lost some gear this summer with some expensive equipment. Each mooring has equipment to collect information on temperature, current, and water clarity. There are three separate transects of gear from shallow to deep, which will provide a picture of how water, sediment, and carbon moves in the nearshore system. Each transect has a mooring every 30 feet of depth. When all the data is combined, then it will show how currents move through that bay in the nearshore zone. These finding will be very important in furthering our understanding of energy flow of the Lake, which has been altered by invasive species.

I just had a report from the Researcher at UW-Milwaukee that the research buoys have been removed for the season. They will be out next summer, but will be marked with larger, lighted buoys. Titus Seilheimer Wisconsin Sea Grant

Seen these buoys a couple of times over the weekend. WATCH OUT! They are small and hard to see until you are right on top of them! They should have flags that stick up at least 4'....just like the fishing net requirements.

"What will you be doing with the lures that have been lost to the lines? " With the locations of the buoys shown, they might consider potentially opening a 2nd hand tackle shop to fund the project....

1. How long will they be there? 2. Can you put decent size flags on them so easier to see at a distance. Keep in mind that many of us start trolling for salmon before first light and others after dusk. 3. What will you be doing with the lures that have been lost to the lines? I have two on one. 4. Once the data is gathered will you be sharing your assessment on this forum? Thanks, Grey Beard