Breakthrough: Coaster Brook Trout Spawning

Last fall, working closely with Parks Canada staff in the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, Yvonne and Zach documented Coaster Brook Trout spawning near the epic outer islands of the protected area for their new wildlife documentary, Hidden Below: The Great Lakes.

Coaster Brook Trout — found only in Lake Superior — are a brilliantly coloured symbol of healthy freshwater ecosystems, that until recently were on the brink of extinction. While most Coaster spawning occurs in rivers, researchers and Indigenous knowledge holders have long suggested that some may also spawn amongst the remote islands. 

Building on this understanding, the Hidden Below team captured what is believed to be the first footage documenting this island spawning behaviour. The footage is not only scientifically valuable — it is visually extraordinary. In crystal-clear water, the trout excavate nests in the gravel to lay their eggs, and they contort into expressive, almost comical faces as they release eggs and milt.

“Parks Canada is pleased to partner with Inspired Planet’s work on Hidden Below. This exciting collaboration has deepened our understanding of Coaster Brook Trout and the freshwater ecosystems we are entrusted to protect. This will strengthen Parks Canada’s evidence-based approach to conservation of Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area,” says the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature.

“This is a genuine freshwater breakthrough,” says Zach Melnick, Director and Cinematographer. “Moments like this show what’s possible when conservation science and cinematic storytelling come together.”

“Understanding the ecology of aquatic animals below the surface has been a black box for scientists. New technologies, such as acoustic telemetry coupled with underwater video, provide scientists an unprecedented understanding of fish behaviour and interactions with their predators, prey, and habitats,” says Andrew Muir, Science Director at the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, the project’s Scientific Partner, who will help translate discoveries from the field into actionable fisheries science.

The Coaster Brook Trout documentation represents the first of what the team hopes will be many scientific contributions emerging from Hidden Below. By opening this “black box,” the project seeks to transform rare moments of observation into lasting conservation insight.

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Contact us for stills and video from this historic wildlife event!