The Flower Bay Perch skein survey has been a very enjoyable learning experience for all students and teachers that have been involved.  The survey is conducted by canoe or kayak, and spawning locations are marked using GPS units.  We now have a fairly good idea where to expect skeins to show up once spawning begins.

Here are some Perch spawning facts:

- We have founds skeins in Flower Bay in the last two weeks of April every year since the project began in 1999.

- Spawning usually takes place at water temperatures between 44 and 55 degrees F.

- Spawning usually occurs in water that is waist deep or shallower.  We have found skeins in less than one foot of water.

- A skein is a gelatinous mass of eggs that is somewhat transparent, and is folded much like an accordion.

- There can be 2,000 to 90,000 Perch eggs in one skein.

- Skeins are usually draped or weaved through aquatic vegetation, however, we have found skeins in open sand bottom.

- Skeins ares usually found in areas protected from the wind and heavy current.

- Hatching of eggs usually occurs within 8-10 days, depending on the water temperature.  They hatch slower in colder water, and faster in warmer water.

Pictures below show Cedarville students conducting this study at Flower Bay.