Contributed by Doug Carlson and Jim Haynes, Posted 1/8/25: Studies of Northern Sunfish (Lepomis peltastes), a Threatened Species in New York, have continued in Tonawanda Creek near Buffalo after stocking in May 2023. This was a collaborative effort between DEC and SUNY Brockport to reestablish the population that apparently became extirpated after 2009. From the brood stock that was previously retained in ponds, there were 3,100 offspring stocked near Millersport. Boat electrofishing in July and September 2023 recaptured 43 and 12 of the stocked fish, respectively, near their stocking location but not in other parts of lower Tonawanda Creek. Sampling efforts were repeated in June 2024 which captured 9 individuals, including several adult females with eggs. This is a favorable step toward recovery, and additional sampling is planned for July 2025. Tracking of these activities can be found at: Final Report_2023-2024 Northern Sunfish Project_073024.pdf. To obtain Appendices 2-4, contact Dr. Haynes at [email protected].

Male Northern Sunfish. Photo credit D. Sanderson-Kilchenstein