Organization and Status of a Cooperative Great Lakes Regional Fish Larvae Collection

Abstract

During 1976–1979, the authors organized a cooperative Great Lakes Regional Fish Larvae Collection (GLRFLC); collection, compilation, and organization continue to the present. GLRFLC objectives, informal support from the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, and clearly established collection policies, curating, and data processing procedures provide long-term continuity and availability of GLRFLC material. Included in GLRFLC are some larval stages of 61 species of Great Lakes drainage basin fishes. An additional 56 species are housed in other collections cross-listed in GLRFLC. Four lists of GLRFLC data are available from the authors: (1) a summary of larval fish species from the drainage basin listed in the GLRFLC information system (2) GLRFLC holdings, (3) other collections cross-listed in GLRFLC, and (4) individuals interested in GLRFLC or aspects of larval fish biology. All data are stored in computer format to permit rapid information storage, editing, and retrieval. Specimen storage, maintenance, and shipping procedures promote availability and efficiency of specimen exchanges and loans.