Baseline data on water chemistry and plankton communities have never been collected for the majority of the inland lakes. This study will focus on the distribution and relative abundance of fish species in the inland lakes of Isle Royale National Park. Special emphasis will be placed on clarifying the taxonomic status of those species where questions exist regarding subspecific designations. Baseline conditions for water chemistry and plankton communities will be established. This research will determine the present distribution and relative abundance of fish species in the inland lakes of Isle Royale National Park and evaluate the relationships between the observed distributions and basic limnological parameters.
Concern is expressed regarding the subspecies designations for some species.
Genetic research will clarify the taxonomic status of those species in question. Assessment of mercury contamination in the parks inland waters will also be done.