Investigating home range of yellow perch in the Detroit River

DRYEP

November 2025 - March 2026

Yellow perch are ecologically and recreationally important throughout the Great Lakes, yet their movement within the system remains poorly characterized. As contaminants of emerging concern, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), continue to accumulate in Great Lakes food webs, understanding habitat use and home range becomes critical for evaluating species-level exposure risk. Using acoustic telemetry, this project will characterize yellow perch movement patterns and residency in the Detroit River to better understand contaminant exposure profiles. Results can directly inform consumption advisories and support more refined bioaccumulation risk assessments for both wildlife and human anglers.

• Tracie Baker (University of Florida) - tracie.baker@phhp.ufl.edu
• Bridget Baker (University Of Florida, Department Of Wildlife Ecology And Conservation)
• Emma Vandermeulen (University Of Florida, Department Of Environmental And Global Health)