Saugatuck Brewing Company has teamed up with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to promote the conservation of Lake Sturgeon, a species listed as threatened in the state. The collaboration highlights the importance of protecting these vital fish, which play a crucial role in Michigan’s aquatic ecosystems.
“Lake Sturgeon should be more accessible for people to experience. Yet, it is still out there, signaling to us that it’s time to step in and care for them,” said Patrick Bertel of the DNR.
The partnership has led to the creation of a new beer, “Lake Street Light,” which will launch in April. A portion of the proceeds from the 96-calorie, 4% ABV beer will go towards funding habitat restoration efforts for the Lake Sturgeon.
Bertel emphasized the importance of the species in Michigan’s waters. “Lake Sturgeon are critical to the ecosystem. We need to ensure that their reproductive events are successful,” he said. “For their life cycle, it’s essential that they can move between large lakes and rivers with the right habitat—gravel, cobble, and limestone.”
This initiative is the latest in a series of efforts by Saugatuck Brewing to support Michigan’s natural resources. In the past, the brewery raised $10,000 for Michigan’s trout restoration program. This year, the state’s Sturgeon fishing season lasted just 17 minutes when the harvest quota was reached, underscoring the species’ vulnerability.
Bertel hopes the new beer partnership will provide vital support to the conservation effort. “Some of these sturgeons have lived in Lake Michigan since before World War II, and I want to be able to look them in the eyes and say, ‘I’ve got your back,'” he said.
The DNR notes that sturgeon can live for over a century, making the protection of their habitat essential for their long-term survival.
You Might Be Interested In:
