Something Spectacular: My Great Lakes Salmon Story

by Howard A Tanner

As the new chief of the Michigan Department of Conservation’s Fish Division in 1964, Howard A. Tanner was challenged to “do something . . . spectacular.” He met that challenge by leading the successful introduction of coho salmon into the Michigan waters of the Great Lakes. This volume illustrates how Tanner was able to accomplish this from a detailed account of his personal and professional background that provided a foundation for success; the historical and contemporary context in which the Fish Division undertook this bold step to reorient the state’s fishery from commercial to sport; the challenges, such as resistance from existing government institutions and finding funding, that he and his colleagues faced; the risks they took by introducing a nonnative species; the surprises they experienced in the first season’s catch; to, finally, the success they achieved in establishing a world-renowned, biologically and financially beneficial sport fishery in the Great Lakes. Tanner provides an engaging history of successfully introducing Pacific salmon into the lakes from the perspective of an ultimate insider.
 

256 pages, Hardcover

Published December 1, 2018

Reviews

[VerJean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great - If you're close to Lake Michigan or the Great Lakes - or if you're a fisher-person - - - or if you're curious about salmon - or - - if you just want to read an interesting backstory of the "event" - stocking the Great Lakes for sport fishing.
I read it to get written confirmation / proof of the "stories" Winston tells of the icky smelly awful dead alewives that were piled up on the beach in the mid-60's. ( ~ Smile ~ )
Turns out - he was NOT exaggerating in the slightest. Might have been even "worser" than he described. ( ~ Smile ~ )
All in all, excellent non-fiction, interesting topic, well-written.

[Wesley Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid Great Lakes salmon fishermen, this was one of my favorite books ever. It was a fun and insightful read getting to learn Dr. Tanner's history and how the Michigan salmon program came to be. Finished reading on the same day I caught some coho up near one of the original stocking locations. Thank you Howard Tanner for all your contributions to this great state!