Conservation decision support for Silver Chub habitat in Lake Erie.

The article focuses on identifying conservation and restoration opportunities for the Silver Chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana) population in western Lake Erie by combining models of habitat potential and anthropogenic disturbance effects. Using spatial predictions of the best potential habitat quality and Silver Chub abundance responses to in-lake and watershed-derived disturbances, the study maps areas suitable for protection or restoration. Results indicate that less than 12% of the study area offers high-quality habitat with low disturbance, primarily in offshore bands and near southern and western shores, while much of the habitat is affected by varying disturbance levels. This modeling approach provides fine-scale decision support for resource managers and may be applicable to other Great Lakes fish species, though balancing species-specific disturbance preferences remains a management challenge.