Wisconsin Fisheries and Acid Rain

Abstract

Acid rain is a reality in Wisconsin. The average acidity of rain in Wisconsin is two to four times that of unpol­ luted precipitation. The acidity of rain in Wisconsin is generally lower than places in the world where scien­ tists have recorded dramatic losses of fish popula­ tions. As Figure 1 illustrates, the acidity of rain is less in northern Wisconsin where our more sensitive lakes are located.