Shell Lake Flow Control Feasibility Assessment

Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association (CIAA) will conduct a flow control feasibility study at Shell Lake to determine if a flow control structure could aid in the suppression (or maybe even eradication) of invasive northern pike (Esox lucius) by lowering the water levels at critical spawning times.

Conducting a flow control feasibility assessment at Shell Lake has the potential to change the way resource managers approach pike suppression efforts within the Susitna River watershed. Although a flow control structure would be a large initial investment, over time it would be a more cost-effective approach to suppress or to possibly even eradicate northern pike in suitable lake systems while also benefiting the movement of native fish species. In the long run, this project could benefit sockeye, coho, Chinook, and pink salmon as well as resident fish species in Shell Lake through adding a tool to our toolbox for reduction in northern pike predation. Increased salmon runs into Shell Lake would also benefit terrestrial, avian, and marine mammal species that feed on salmon and will increase the transfer of marine-derived nutrients through decaying salmon carcasses to further boost the productivity of the ecosystem.