White perch (Morone americana) (Gmelin, 1789) Origin Native to North America along the St. Lawrence-Lake Ontario drainage in Quebec, Canada to South Carolina, United States. Life Cycle In its native estuarine environment, spawning of M. americana takes place in the spring in freshwater portions of streams and rivers. After spawning adults return to saltier bays and coastal areas. Distribution M. americana is established in all 5 Great Lakes (i.e., Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario) and the surrounding states. Additionally, it is established in Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Vermont. Control Efforts Anglers and boaters can prevent the spread of M. americana by inspecting and cleaning equipment. Outreach and education can reduce the spread of invasives. https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=777 https://www.fws.gov/fisheries/ans/erss/highrisk/Morone-americana-WEB-7-30-2014.pdf