A round goby that was recently caught in the Fox River in Neenah is displayed, Sept. 4, 2015. PC: Fox 11 Online
MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The organization which operates the Fox River locks may fund additional studies to determine the extent of the growth of the round goby population, in Lake Winnebago with a goal of re-opening the Menasha lock.
The goby is an invasive fish, which wildlife experts are worried could disrupt the Lake Winnebago ecosystem. The Menasha lock has been closed for more than a decade in an effort to keep them out the lake – a point of contention for many boaters. In June, DNR approved rules to help battle the population.
Researchers at UW-Green Bay performed sampling at six sites this summer, finding gobies around the Bowen Street Pier in Oshkosh – an area where they have been observed or reported by the DNR. None were found in Menasha.
UWGB asked the Fox River Navigational System Authority to help fund additional sampling in 2027, requesting $20,000.
During a meeting Tuesday, FRNSA directors were supportive of the idea, as long the study focuses on documenting the growth of gobies within Lake Winnebago. It did not approve any funds Tuesday, but may do so at a meeting in October.
Gobies were first found and are well-documented downstream of Menasha. If there is growth in the goby population in the lake, it may support the notion of re-opening the lock, as keeping it closed wouldn’t be preventing their spread to the lake.
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