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MUCC Policy Action Report for June 15, 2007This edition:
VHS sparks new DNR Fish Disease Control Order FO-245The MUCC Policy Report has tracked the rapid progress of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia as it has moved throughout our Great Lakes. Most recently, it was found in an interior Michigan lake, Lake Budd in Clare County. In response to its rapid spread, the Michigan DNR has issued a new Fish Disease Control Order designed to reduce the spread of VHS through the use of live bait and the movement of live fish. Director Humphries signed this order at the June 7 th meeting of the Natural Resource Commission (NRC) and it will go into effect on June 28 th . It is scheduled to remain in effect until June 27, 2012.The Fish Disease Control Order FO-245 defines management areas within Michigan's waters where it is prohibited to move certain species of fish, bait fish and roe. The Order also defines what species of fish will be impacted. These regulations were put in place in an attempt to protect the aquatic resources of the state, minimize the spread of disease to uninfected waters and protect the DNR's hatchery system. The order also includes 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 practice of "chumming." The order specifies that baitfish or roe from the "prohibited species," as defined in the order, used in public waters must be utilized in the act of fishing and have the baitfish or roe attached to a hook. This regulation addresses the potential spread of disease that could be caused by dumping roe freely into Michigan waters. It is a confusing thing for Michigan's anglers and is likely to get more so before it gets any easier. The new rules and regulations governing fishing in Michigan's waters are likely to continue to increase as new invasive species and diseases are discovered. Over 160 invasive species have entered the Great Lakes since the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959, with control costs estimated at $137 billion per year. It is estimated that a new species enters the Lakes every eight months and 78 percent of these new organisms and diseases are attributed to ballast water discharge. VHS is another disease that scientist believe likely to have entered the Great Lakes via ballast. And while Michigan's fishing industry is reeling from the changes forced by the advent of new invasive species, federal legislators continue to drag their feet on a bill that would help stop the flow of new invasive species. The National Aquatic Invasive Species Act (S. 725), introduced by Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), would enact national ballast water laws that will require appropriate treatment for ballast to kill any potential invasive species before they can be dumped into the Great Lakes. This comprehensive legislation would initiate a plan to help prevent and control invasive species that enter the Great Lakes in the future. The Great Lakes have already changed enough from these invaders. Contact your member of Congress and let them know that you want to see comprehensive aquatic invasive species legislation enacted to ensure our Great Lakes heritage and way of life is protected for future generations to enjoy. A complete version of the Fish Disease Control Order FO-245 can be found on the MDNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnr < http://www.michigan.gov/dnr > . If you have any questions about the regulations call Jason Dinsmore at 517-346-6484.
2007 Furbearer Regulations Approved by NRC at June MeetingThe Natural Resources Commission approved changes to furbearer regulations for the 2007-2008 seasons at its June meeting recently held in Lansing.Changes to furbearer regulations for the 2007-2008 seasons include allowing the use of elevated platforms for the taking of fox and coyote during daylight hours during the specific seasons, and giving the Department of Natural Resources director the authority to extend certain furbearer trapping seasons on some managed waterfowl areas. In addition, other regulations changes approved are: beaver and otter management unit designations were changed from numbers to letters; marten trappers will only be required to submit a skull at registration rather than the entire carcass; trappers will be allowed to use legally taken and possessed game animals as bait during the open trapping seasons; and the use of traps with teeth or serrations is no longer permitted during the recreational trapping season.
Bring a friend to Conservation Days 2007These unique day trips are hands-on experiences designed to further your understanding of the conservation issues that affect you. Each trip covers a different conservation issue going on today in Michigan. So come spend the day with us and take away another outlook on Michigan's natural resources! Also, look for more Conservation Days coming up in the near future!
Sail the day away on Lake Michigan
Date: July 13, 2007 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 < mailto:abennett@mucc.org > ) to guarantee your spot! Spaces are limited!
Experience the Rouge
Date: August 10, 2006 Come join us on August 10 th 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 27 th , 2007 by contacting April (517/346- 6472 or abennett@mucc.org < mailto:abennett@mucc.org > ) to guarantee your spot! Spaces are limited!
HOW launches Great Lakes story contest- you could win!The Healing Our Waters®-Great Lakes Coalition is asking people to submit their stories and photos in its inaugural Great Lakes Story & Photo Contest.They are looking for the story about the Lake Erie fishing trip gone awry, the Lake Michigan family vacation that people are still talking about today, or the photo off the shores of Lake Superior that still causes you to chuckle. They are looking for stories and photos about people and the lakes; ones that fill us with laughter, sadness, nostalgia, or wonder, and maybe even inspire us to think about the Great Lakes in a new way. The contest, which runs through August 20, seeks to inspire people of all ages to submit their stories and photos for a chance to win prizes. The contest features four contest categories:
Corporate sponsors include Meijer and REI. Educational sponsors include the Akron Zoo, Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo, Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin, John Ball Zoo, and Shedd Aquarium. Entry guidelines and rules can be found by visiting www.healthylakes.org , or by mailing a request to: Great Lakes Story & Photo Contest, National Wildlife Federation, 213 W. Liberty St., Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104. |
MUCC Policy Action Report
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