Lake trout and whitefish sometimes share the same waters, but there are few similarities between the species beyond that. The story of why will be explored during the Door County Environmental Council’s presentation Monday evening in Egg Harbor.

Thanks to invasive zebra mussels and other environmental changes, whitefish have shifted much of their habitat from Lake Michigan to Green Bay, where shallower, nutrient-rich waters provide better spawning grounds and feeding opportunities.

Lake trout, meanwhile, have thrived in Lake Michigan thanks to stocking efforts by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and management of invasive sea lampreys.

Few people know this better than Charlie Henriksen, who has fished the waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan for more than 50 years. Much like a farmer watching over a field, Henriksen has taken the preservation of the Lake Michigan fishery to heart.

Henriksen is working with UW-Green Bay and UW-Milwaukee on research involving aquatic dead zones and early-warning systems, particularly in Green Bay. The work complements his previous efforts with UW-Stevens Point, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Wisconsin Sea Grant.

In a world where the only constant is change, Henriksen said adaptation is essential for survival.

The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. Monday at the Kress Pavilion in Egg Harbor. Those unable to attend in person can find a Zoom link for the presentation here.