Department of Natural Resources fish biologist, Frank Pratt, reported on the 2002 reproduction index conducted in September. The survey is accomplished by boom shocking 9 areas of the Chippewa Flowage, a method which temporarily stuns fish and allows them to be counted and their sizes assessed. It is an ongoing co-operative effort conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Great Lakes Indian Fishing-Wildlife Commission to monitor the health of the fishery. As expected, 2002 showed a poor reproduction rate. Pratt explained that the late spring affected the development rate of eggs and fry. In addition, the cool conditions reduced the growth of the food base supply of plankton, which further suppressed growth and development. Pratt noted that this was not necessarily a bad condition, just Mother Nature’s way of controlling the population. Last year, 2001, was an exceptional reproductive class. In addition, he observed a healthier bluegill, perch and crappie class than expected on the West Side.