MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A new study on round gobies in the Winnebago water system could eventually lead to the reopening of the Menasha Lock.
Researchers from UW-Green Bay are examining the prevalence of round gobies in the Winnebago water system. If researchers find a major population of round gobies, the Menasha Lock would likely reopen.
What would cause the lock to reopen?
“I think it’s finding more goby in the Lake Winnebago and the tributaries,” said Fox River Navigational System Authority (FRNSA) Executive Director Phil Ramlet. “I think that’ll lead to more of a robust discussion on when the lock will open.”
If few gobies are found in the Winnebago system, the lock is unlikely to reopen.
Why was the Menasha Lock closed initially?
The lock closed 11 years ago to keep gobies out of Winnebago, but in the past two years, several have been found near Oshkosh. If that population is found to be significant through the study, the DNR may advise the Menasha Lock open, which could influence the FRNSA to reopen it.
“It would actually be an opportunity to evaluate the opening of the lock and what exactly is coming through it and shed some light on that,” said Angelo Cozzola, DNR Fisheries Biologist.
Basically if there are already significant goby found there, then there’s no need to try to prevent any further spread by closing the lock.
As a result of the lock being closed for the past 11 years, boaters can’t travel from the Fox River down to Lake Winnebago. Instead, they need to drive out to a separate boat launch.
What are round gobies?
Round gobies are invasive fish that can impact native fish population. They do coexist with other fish in the Great Lakes, but the DNR is concerned, as the Winnebago habitat is much different.
This study could give direction.
“The goby situation is so unique,” said Ramlet. “And then also with the fact that the sturgeon population in Lake Winnebago is a unique fishery as well. So I think there’s a lot that the fish people have to look at.”
This is a three-year study, but a decision on the lock could come sooner than that.
