Policy Action Report for May 24th, 2007

Fish Disease Discovered in Budd Lake, Clare County

Budd Lake, a 175-acre lake in central Clare County, experienced a very large die-off of fish beginning April 30 that included black crappie, bluegill and muskellunge. DNR biologists responded quickly to the lake to determine the cause of the die-off. Potential natural and human-induced causes for the die-off were evaluated.

Fish collected from Budd Lake were taken to Michigan State University for testing. Because of the nature of the testing process for VHS, several weeks are required to obtain results. The DNR learned this week that the fish from Budd Lake were positive for VHS. Although the exact cause of the fish die-off is yet to be determined, this is the first time that the virus has been found in inland waters in Michigan.

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia is known to cause large-scale mortalities in fish populations over short periods of time. Infected fish may exhibit hemorrhaging in the skin including large red patches, small pin-point spots of minor external hemorrhaging or no external signs at all. Sick fish often will appear listless, swim in circles or hang just below the surface.

VHS likely was introduced into the Great Lakes around 2002 via ships that entered the Great Lakes and discharged ballast water that contained the virus. The virus is now known to be distributed in Michigan's waters of the Great Lakes from northern Lake Huron to Lake Erie.

Widespread mortalities in muskellunge and gizzard shad in Michigan waters of Lake St. Clair were observed in 2006 along with significant mortalities of yellow perch, white bass, freshwater drum and round gobies in lakes Erie and Ontario.

Internationally, VHS is a fish disease of concern and is a required reportable disease to the International Organization of Animal Health. In October 2006, the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service imposed interstate and international restrictions on the movement of fish to prevent the spread of VHS in the U.S.

As a result of this finding in Budd Lake, the DNR is modifying regulations proposed in the Fish Disease Control Order that was presented for information to the Natural Resources Commission May 10.

The Fish Disease Control Order identifies restrictions on the use of baitfish and fish eggs for different disease management areas. These regulations are necessary to protect the aquatic resources of the state, minimize the spread of disease to uninfected waters and protect the DNR's hatchery system.

Major changes to the order include an expanded certification process for facilities that maintain baitfish or other live fish that are known to be susceptible to VHS, as well as additional restrictions on the use of baitfish or eggs by anglers when fishing.

DNR Director Rebecca Humphries is expected to take action on the order at the June 7 meeting of the Natural Resources Commission. The order can be reviewed online at http://www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing.

Next Natural Resource Commission Meeting to be held on June 7 th at the Lansing Center. Address: 333 E. Michigan St., Lansing

Cormorant legislation in the House and Senate

Faced with serve declines in the 1960's due to toxic chemicals like DDT, double-crested cormorants have recently experienced a population boom in the Great Lakes. As their numbers have increased, cormorants have caused declines in our fish populations in many areas throughout the Great Lakes due to their aggressive feeding habits. Cormorants also cause ecosystem degradation because of their highly toxic feces and compete with other bird species for nesting habitat. Cormorants are protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Act, but in 2003 the federal government issued a Public Resource Depredation Order, allowing certain government agencies to control the cormorant populations in twenty-four states. Michigan is one of those states.

In Michigan the U.S. Department of Agriculture APHIS office is the agency tasked with cormorant controls. APHIS has already seen success in some of their cormorant control programs. One example if the Les Cheneaux Islands near Cedarville, MI. Since cormorant controls have been in place they have seen a huge resurgence of their perch populations and a resurgence of anglers traveling to that area.

These new bills would require the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to work along with the federal agencies to implement a cormorant control program.

HB 4471 (Booher) defines "cormorant damage" as "adverse impacts of double-crested cormorants on fish, including fish hatchery stock, wildlife, plants and their habitats."

HB 4614 (Sheltrown) would create a new "Cormorant Control Fund" within the state treasury that could receive money or asset from any source to help address cormorant damage.

S 654 (McManus) would require the DNR to administer a program to control double-crested cormorants, require the DNR to work in conjunction with other states to address the cormorant problem on a regional scale and help create a "Cormorant Control Fund."

Sign up for Conservation Days 2007 - Summer fun for the whole family!

Sail the day away on Lake Michigan
Muskegon, MI

Date: July 13, 2007
Time: 9:15 a.m.- 2:00p.m.
Cost: $15 for members, $35 for non-members
(Price includes 2 hour boat trip and lunch)

Join us on July 13, 2007 aboard the W.G. Jackson Great Lakes Research vessel for a unique boat trip! On this research vessel, you will learn about Lake Michigan, inland lake and river ecology, and how invasive species affect our waters and habitats. This hands-on experience is a boat-load of fun! Afterwards, enjoy a spectacular view, discussion and lunch on the water in downtown Muskegon .

Please R.S.V.P. by July 6 th , 2007 by contacting April (517) 346-6472 or abennett@mucc.org to guarantee your spot! Spaces are limited!

Experience the Rouge
Dearborn, MI

Date: August 10, 2006
Time: 9:00a.m.- 2:00p.m.
Cost: $15 for members, $35 for non-members
(Price includes Ford Rouge Factory tour and lunch)

Come join us on August 10th for a day to remember! Start off the day with a tour of the Ford Rouge River Plant and experience the innovations of this one-of a kind facility. Next you get a chance to view the Rouge River, one of the most accessible rivers in the nation! We will have lunch at Ford Field Park and have the opportunity to discuss some of the issues impacting the Rouge River with a special guest speaker.

Please R.S.V.P. by July 27th , 2007 by contacting April (517) 346-6472 or abennett@mucc.org to guarantee your spot! Spaces are limited!