Great Lakes Wild Season 1 Episode 2 Invaders from the Deep

Great Lakes Wild is an American nature documentary series that showcases the diverse and fascinating wildlife found in the Great Lakes region of North America. In season 1 episode 2, titled "Invaders from the Deep," viewers get an up-close look at the various aquatic creatures that inhabit the Great Lakes, including some that are not native to the region and have become invasive species.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the iconic lake sturgeon, a prehistoric fish that can grow up to seven feet long and live for over 100 years. The sturgeon was once abundant in the Great Lakes but was nearly driven to extinction due to overfishing and habitat destruction. Now, thanks to conservation efforts, the sturgeon is making a comeback and can be found in some of the region's rivers and lakes.

Next, the show shifts its focus to the invasive species that are threatening the Great Lakes ecosystem. One such invader is the zebra mussel, a small but destructive mollusk that arrived in the Great Lakes in the 1980s and has since spread throughout the region. Zebra mussels can reproduce rapidly and attach themselves to surfaces like boat hulls and pipes, clogging up water intake systems and damaging native species' habitats.

Another invasive species highlighted in the episode is the round goby, a small fish that was first discovered in the Great Lakes in the 1990s. Originally from Europe, the round goby is a fierce predator that feeds on other fish, including native species, and can outcompete them for resources. Experts estimate that there are now tens of millions of round gobies in the Great Lakes.

Viewers also get to learn about how researchers are using technology to track and study the movements of invasive species in the Great Lakes. For example, acoustic telemetry involves implanting small tags into fish that emit signals that can be picked up by receivers placed throughout the water. This allows scientists to track individual fish and learn more about their behavior and movements.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning footage of the various aquatic creatures that call the Great Lakes home, from massive lake sturgeon to colorful schools of fish to elusive muskellunge. The show also highlights the natural beauty of the Great Lakes region, with sweeping shots of forests, rivers, and lakeshores.

Overall, "Invaders from the Deep" is an engaging and educational episode that sheds light on the challenges facing the Great Lakes ecosystem and the efforts being made to protect and preserve it. The episode is sure to appeal to nature lovers and anyone interested in learning more about the fascinating wildlife of North America's Great Lakes region.