General Information about the Tag & Track Project

Submitted by the St. Croix International Waterway Commission

​

Project Description

 

The East Grand Lake Tag & Track project is a large-scale international fisheries research project aimed at studying the seasonal ecology, habitat use, and spawning behaviour of Lake Trout (Togue) and Lake Whitefish in East Grand Lake, a boundary waterbody between Maine and New Brunswick. Led by the St. Croix International Waterway Commission (SCIWC), in partnership with Acadia University - Nova Scotia, University of Windsor - Ontario, and with assistance by fisheries staff from the State of Maine and Province of New Brunswick, the project uses acoustic telemetry to fill longstanding data gaps and support the management of this ecologically and recreationally significant lake and its fisheries.

​

​ East Grand Lake is home to a self-sustaining native Lake Trout population, notable for both its regionally impressive size (individuals can surpass 20 pounds) and recently discovered genetic uniqueness. Previous research has shown that Lake Trout in East Grand differ genetically from many other populations across North America, suggesting a distinct evolutionary history and a lack of genetic dilution from historic stocking. This population has garnered particular interest because, despite heavy predation on invasive landlocked alewife, it has not experienced the population declines seen in the Great Lakes, where alewife predation has led to Thiamine Deficiency Complex (TDC) in Lake Trout. This is one of the few representative populations of Lake Trout at the south-eastern edge of the species' native North American range.

​

​

​

​

​

 

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

Landlocked alewives were introduced into East Grand Lake in the mid-1990s, creating ecological conditions similar to those in the Great Lakes. However, the persistence and apparent resilience of East Grand Lake Trout suggest a natural resistance to TDC, possibly related to glacial history and long-term interactions between native Lake Trout and sea-run alewife along the East Coast. Similar resistance has previously been documented in Lake Trout populations in Nova Scotia by researchers at Acadia University. This project will build on that work by identifying Lake Trout spawning habitats, capturing spawning females, and collecting egg samples for thiamine analysis, offering valuable insights into population health and reproductive success.

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lake Whitefish, another native species in East Grand Lake, are also a key focus of the project. While populations of Lake Whitefish have declined across much of the Northeast due to introductions of invasive species such as rainbow smelt, smallmouth bass, and chain pickerel, the population in East Grand Lake appears stable and shows well-defined age-class structure. This is especially important because Lake Whitefish are currently listed as a species of great conservation need in Maine. The project will use acoustic telemetry to document seasonal habitat use by Lake Whitefish, identify spawning shoals and potential spawning habitats—such as tributaries, outlet streams, gravel flats, and rocky reefs—and collect genetic samples to better understand the factors that contribute to their persistence. Much less is known about Lake Whitefish spawning preferences, which likely occur later than those of Lake Trout—between early November and early December—making these findings especially valuable.

​

The international nature of East Grand Lake makes comprehensive fisheries research rather difficult, as few organizations are positioned to work seamlessly across the border. As an international non-governmental organization, the SCIWC plays a unique role, enabling shared research objectives while ensuring that data and findings are accessible to management agencies in both jurisdictions. Overall, the Tag & Track Project offers a rare opportunity to study two native, understudied species within a complex international system. By generating long-term, high-resolution data on fish behaviour, habitat use, and reproductive ecology, the project will support informed management decisions, protect critical habitats, and contribute to the conservation of native fisheries that are central to the ecological health and recreational value of East Grand Lake.

 

What can be gleaned from the data?

 

The tracking data allow researchers to observe how Togue and Lake Whitefish are moving throughout East Grand Lake over time. By examining where fish are detected, their depths, and how their behaviour changes with the seasons and temperature, we can identify key habitats such as summer refuge areas and potential spawning grounds.

 

How can this project help our lake?

 

By closing knowledge gaps, the project will provide the scientific information necessary to develop better, more informed management strategies. Understanding where and when fish spawn, feed, and seek shelter will help fisheries managers protect critical habitats and consider the needs of the fish when making decisions about water levels, access, and conservation efforts. Healthier fish populations support a more robust recreational fishery, benefiting local communities, economies, anglers, and the lake ecosystem.

 

The long-term hope for the project?

 

The main objective is to promote sustainable, science-based management of East Grand Lake and its fisheries. Since the lake borders an international boundary, the project will also support shared governance by providing data for agencies and partners in both the United States and Canada. Due to its international nature, East Grand Lake presents challenges for traditional research by fisheries managers in both countries. As an international organization, the St. Croix International Waterway Commission can easily conduct activities in both the United States and Canada. In the long run, the information gained improves understanding of how these native species use the lake, interact, and respond to long-term environmental changes, such as fluctuations in water levels.

 

Project Costs

 

Costs include purchasing and maintaining tags, acoustic transmitters, receivers, and related equipment, as well as software needed to process and analyze data. All of this equipment is expensive! Though fortunately we have been able to cover much of the project costs with grants and donations. Funding also covers staff time for fish tagging, equipment deployment, retrieval, maintenance, receiver management during the open-water season, data analysis, and public outreach. If you are interested in donating to the project, you can make a tax-deductible donation to the St. Croix International Waterway Commission on their website (www.stcroix.org/donate).

 

What lake users might see in, on and around our lake because of the project?

 

Lake users may see small white surface buoys marking receiver locations, as well as SCIWC staff conducting fieldwork by boat during parts of the year and at odd hours of the night. Anglers may catch fish with external tags that show they are part of the study. Overall, the project aims to minimize angler disruption while helping keep the lake healthy and productive for everyone who uses it. We encourage anyone to release any fish that are suspected to be tagged – if a tagged fish is kept for consumption, please contact the St. Croix International Waterway Commission so that we can reuse the tag.

 

Want to contact us?

 

Anyone who suspects they caught a tagged fish, or has questions about the project or its equipment, can contact the St. Croix International Waterway Commission at 207-952-9069 or email the project biologists Marshall Elsemore (marshall.elsemore@stcroix.org) and Matthew Warner (matthew.warner@stcroix.org).

​