For as long as we can remember, salmon and Rogers City have seemed synonymous.

Yet, as we all know, few things seem “forever” anymore, and the chinook salmon fishery in Lake Huron has suffered from some tough years, recently.

Yes, it still exists, but not in the same numbers and size as in years past because of the change in the lake’s ecosystem and the decline of alewives as a feeding source for the salmon.

Thus, we read with interest about the efforts of Rogers City officials to convince Michigan Department of Natural Resources biologists of the need to stock Atlantic salmon in Lake Huron along the city’s shoreline. A resolution to that effect was approved last week.

Currently the closest point that Atlantic salmon are planted in Lake Huron occurs at the Thunder Bay River in Alpena.

And, last year alone, 363 Atlantic salmon made their way to Rogers City, where they were caught.

As a means of comparison, Rogers City City Manager Joe Hefele said 183 Atlantic salmon were caught in Alpena.

The DNR is looking next spring for another location to plant 80,000 Atlantic salmon and Hefele, along with city officials, believe Rogers City is the perfect location.

We agree the idea has merit. If you think so, as well, petitions are being circulated in the community looking for your signature to support Rogers City’s efforts.

The community’s relationship with salmon always has been special.

With the possibility of Atlantic salmon, it could be made even stronger.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)