New Fishing Decree Raises Awareness: Anglers Alerted to Increased Presence of Commercial Nets in Great Lakes
Published: Tuesday, March 26, 2024 12:00 pm
Anglers might encounter fishing nets in unfamiliar areas.
Commercial fishing nets are identified by staff buoys, extending 4 feet above the water's surface, with an orange flag measuring 16 inches by 16 inches. It's essential for anglers and boaters to give these nets a wide berth and avoid disrupting commercial fishing operations(Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The most recent command of the Great Lakes Fishing Decree came into effect on March 1, 2024, and its regulations pertaining to specific Great Lakes fisheries in Michigan will remain valid for the next 24 years.
Approved by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan on August 24. This marks the third revision of the Great Lakes Fishing Decree since its inception in 1985, underscoring the importance of reviewing the updates, according to officials.
“It is important to review the updated maps within the decree to understand where commercial fishing nets may be located,” Nick Torsky, a supervisor within the Department of Natural Resources said. “Being careful and vigilant for commercial fishing nets while on the water is critical to public safety.”
According to DNR officials, the 2023 decree incorporates numerous updates, such as delineating the areas where tribal commercial fishers are permitted to operate and outlining the reporting obligations for the fishing industry.
Established in 1985, the initial fishery management agreement created tensions between tribal commercial operations and sport anglers. An updated command took effect in 2000 and remained in force until the present year.
The first fishery management pact, in 1985, arose from tensions between tribal commercial operations and sport anglers. An updated version went into effect in 2000, continuing until this year.
According to DNR officials, the Great Lakes ecosystem has undergone "significant" changes since 2000. In response, fishing regulations have been adjusted, and shifts in patterns within the commercial fishery are anticipated.
“Anglers may see nets in locations they are not used to,” Torsky said.
Gillnets, comprising a wall of netting suspended in the water, emerge as a contentious aspect of the updated fishing decree. Critics argue that gillnets indiscriminately capture and result in the mortality of excessive fish.
Under the new decree, tribes are granted expanded permissions to utilize gillnets, albeit with limitations on the depth of water, seasonal restrictions, and the quantity of netting permitted.
“Expanded gill netting now allowed in bays and other areas of the lakes that haven’t had them for more than 40 years will cause social and biological consequences,” Tony Radjenovich, president of the Coalition to Protect Michigan Resources said.
Under the terms of the 2000 agreement, the state allocated over $14 million towards compensating tribal fishing operations to transition from gillnets to the more discerning trap nets.
U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney said in his 139-page opinion that, as the updated version of the pact continues with limits on how many fish are caught, the type of net the tribes use shouldn’t be relevant.
Whether they meet that harvest limit quickly by using the efficient method of gill nets, or whether they meet that harvest limit over time by using less efficient means of fishing, the tribes are still subject to the same harvest limits regardless of gear used,” Judge Maloney said.
You can see the 2023 Fishing Decree here.
