Current statutes and administrative rules regarding the licensing and regulation of commercial fishers in Michigan are decades old and do not sufficiently protect game fish from commercial impacts. Further, MDNR conservation officers are unable to adequately protect the fisheries from exploitation and illegal activity due to the outdated statute.
House Bills 4567, 68 and 69 address a long-needed statute update that would set parameters surrounding commercial fishing such as licensing fees, gear used and allowable species for harvest. Commercial fishers should be restricted from profiting off of game species that are managed and funded by hunters and anglers. The updates in these bills would protect gamefish, improve the fishery and clarify regulations for law enforcement.
We need your help in getting these bills to the governor’s desk. The bills have already passed the Michigan House of Representatives and are currently awaiting a hearing in the Senate Natural Resources Committee. Call your state senator today urging them to request that the bills be moved to the senate floor for a vote. To act now text FISHACT to 52886, or click this link.
The Michigan Senate has had this package of bills in their chamber for eight months, held four committee meetings with substantial opportunity for public and stakeholder engagement and yet no action has been taken.
Call your state senator and tell them:
More than 1.1 million recreational anglers directly support 35,422 jobs in Michigan and annually contribute $2.3 billion dollars to Michigan’s economy. Additionally, most fisheries research and conservation work in Michigan is funded through hunter and angler dollars. The undersigned organizations urge your support in helping to protect gamefish in Michigan.
Michigan United Conservation Clubs
Michigan Charter Boat Association
Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fisherman’s Association
Michigan Trout Unlimited
Bay DeNoc Great Lakes Sports Fisherman
Michigan Sportfishing Alliance
Hammond Bay Area Anglers Association
Lake St. Clair Walleye Association
Saginaw Bay Walleye Club
Upper Peninsula Sportsmen’s Alliance
P: 517.371.1041
Michigan United Conservation Clubs, a 501c3
nonprofit conservation organization
Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 38-0831862
2101 Wood St, Lansing MI 48912
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