How The Spiny Waterflea Threatens Michigan's Inland Lakes

There are many invasive species that inhabit Michigan’s lakes, both inland and in the Great Lakes, that we have to be diligent about not spreading around. These invasive species cause massive problems for the fish and water-dwelling creatures that are native to Michigan.

The introduction of the species, even if by accident, has caused a massive change in our waters, and we have to do everything we can to make sure we reduce the possibility of more invasive species moving into our lakes.

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One such species is called the spiny waterflea, and it’s been known to be in quite a few lakes throughout Michigan, but recently was discovered in the Upper Peninsula on a lake in Iron County. Recently, WJFW reported on the findings, which began last year:

An aquatic invasive species known to hurt walleye and perch survival have been found on a lake in Iron County. Spiny waterfleas have been discovered in Sandy Beach Lake about 9 miles southwest of Manitowish Waters. Initial evidence was documented in the summer of 2023 during routine lake monitoring. In 2024 the DNR followed up with monitoring that confirmed a small number of spiny waterfleas.

The reason the water flea is such a huge problem is because it feeds on zoo, plankton, which baby walleye and perch depend on for survival during the early stages of their life, so if the water fleet continues to populate the water, that could drastically reduce the amount of while I am perch that make it to adulthood, dwindling their numbers in this particular lake.

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Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill