Integrating acoustic telemetry research into management: successes and challenges in the Laurentian Great Lakes

Klinard, Natalie V., Vandergoot, Christopher S., Briggs, Andrew S., Elliott, Connor W., Faust, Matthew D., Fielder, David G., Gorsky, Dimitry, Hartman, Travis, Holbrook, Christopher M., Isermann, Daniel A., Midwood, Jonathan D., Siefkes, Michael J., Van De Hey, Justin, Wilfond, Dan, Wills, Todd C., Zorn, Troy G., Barbosa Martins, Ana P., Oakley-Cogan, Arun, Fisk, Aaron T., and Matley, Jordan K. (2025) Integrating acoustic telemetry research into management: successes and challenges in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 82. pp. 1-20.

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Abstract

In the Laurentian Great Lakes, the application of acoustic telemetry to track fish movements has evolved into an important part of multijurisdictional management. Nevertheless, barriers remain in translating telemetry research into management or conservation actions. Here, we synthesize acoustic telemetry literature within the Great Lakes basin to explore factors that have contributed to successes and failures of integrating research with the needs of decision-making processes. Collaboration between researchers and managers, facilitated by consistent opportunities for stakeholder engagement, stood out as one of the most effective means of integration. For example, 79% (95 of 127) of articles published (up to 2023) included co-authorship by both government and academic organizations. Case studies on lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), walleye (Sander vitreus), and sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) further highlight how telemetry has informed management through collaborative engagement among researchers, stakeholders, and managers, as well as ongoing challenges. By exploring facets of acoustic telemetry research and connections to conservation and fisheries concerns, we identify pathways to reduce knowledge–action gaps widely applicable within and outside of the Great Lakes.

Item ID: 88733
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1205-7533
Keywords: animal tracking, biotelemetry, knowledge transfer, knowledge–action gap, movement ecology
Copyright Information: ©2025 Authors Klinard, Vandergoot, Elliott, VanDeHey, Barbosa Martins, Oakley-Cogan, Fisk, and Matley; Michigan Department of Natural Resources; Ohio Department of Natural Resources; Great Lakes Fishery Commission; Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; and The Crown. Permission for reuse (free in most cases) can be obtained from copyright.com.
Date Deposited: 24 Jun 2026 04:49
FoR Codes: 30 AGRICULTURAL, VETERINARY AND FOOD SCIENCES > 3005 Fisheries sciences > 300505 Fisheries management @ 100%
SEO Codes: 10 ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND ANIMAL PRIMARY PRODUCTS > 1003 Fisheries - wild caught > 100305 Wild caught fin fish (excl. tuna) @ 100%
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