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The proposed bill to ban Saginaw Bay commercial fishing by 2027 faces mounting criticism from Michigan’s dwindling commercial fishing industry.
SAGINAW BAY, Mich. — A proposed Michigan House bill aiming to overhaul commercial fishing regulations has ignited strong opposition from local fishers, who warn it could dismantle what remains of the state’s century-old fishing industry in Saginaw Bay.
Introduced by State Representative Amos O’Neal on March 12, House Bill 4212 seeks to ban commercial fishing in Saginaw Bay beginning January 1, 2027, while introducing sweeping new restrictions and penalties across the state. Supporters claim the bill modernizes Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to prioritize conservation. But critics, including the fifth-generation Bay Port Fish Company, argue the legislation is a de facto shutdown of their livelihoods—crafted without their input.
The Huron Daily Tribune reached out for comment from one of the last commercial fish companies in the state. “This bill will put commercial fishermen completely out of business,” said Lakon Williams, owner of the Bay Port Fish Company. “We had no input on the bill, even though it was created for our industry. It’s a business killer.”
Saginaw Bay Fishing Ban Triggers Outcry from Local Fishers
The bill, titled “HB 4212,” outlines dozens of changes, from increasing license fees—up to $2,000 by 2041—to expanding DNR enforcement powers and restricting the use of traditional gear like gill nets, except for specific species. The most contentious provision: the full ban on commercial fishing in Saginaw Bay in less than two years.
As of 2024, only 13 state-licensed commercial fishing operations remain in Michigan, down from over 300 in 1969. Just five currently operate in Saginaw Bay.
“We’ve changed strategies again and again to keep our business alive for more than 100 years,” Williams told the Tribune. “Why can’t the state do the same to include us?”
DNR Defended as Protector of Public Resource—But Is It Balanced?
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is tasked with managing fishery resources for both commercial and sport interests. However, critics claim the agency overwhelmingly prioritizes sport fishing, citing prohibitions on commercial harvesting of walleye and lake trout despite their legal harvest status.
Williams drew comparisons to Canada, where commercial and sport fishing coexist.
“In Canada, they share resources, and there’s respect for both industries,” she said. “We want the Great Lakes to be here for generation,s too. But this bill makes my business worth nothing.”
Environmental factors also complicate the issue. The clear waters of Saginaw Bay—a result of invasive species like zebra mussels—create ideal conditions for walleye, a dominant predator. In 2022, the DNR estimated 5.8 million adult walleye over two years old in Lake Huron, most originating from Saginaw Bay.
“These fish are sight hunters,” Williams explained. “With the clear water, the eggs get no protection, and the walleye feed non-stop—ten fish an hour.”
Fisheries Left Out of Policy Process, Say Industry Leaders
According to the bill’s text, commercial fishers would also face:
- Mandatory quotas subject to annual DNR adjustment
- Restrictions on gill net mesh sizes and locations
- Licensing tied to stricter port use and fish transport rules
- Criminal penalties and license suspensions for rule violations
The industry argues the bill was developed without sufficient consultation.
“Letting the Michigan United Conservation Club, a sportsman’s lobby, drive legislation about our livelihood is a red flag,” said Williams. “The DNR is supposed to manage resources for all of Michigan—not just for 10% who sport fish.”
The Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) has a history of advocating for the interests of recreational anglers and has opposed legislative efforts that would expand commercial fishing at the expense of sport fishing opportunities. For instance, in October 2023, MUCC opposed House Bill 5108, which aimed to permit the commercial harvest of game fish such as lake trout, walleye, and perch—species traditionally reserved for recreational fishing. MUCC argued that this bill threatened Michigan’s $2.3 billion annual recreational angling industry and the state’s fishing heritage. (mucc.orgmucc.org)
Fisheries policy experts have long noted that balancing recreational and commercial interests requires transparent stakeholder engagement. They often cite collaborative frameworks in other Great Lakes states as potential models. Critics say Michigan’s approach usually leans more heavily toward protecting recreational fishing, even when it harms small-scale commercial operators.
Are The Days Of Being Able To Buy Great Lakes Fish Numbered?
If things don’t change soon, Michigan’s remaining dozen commercial fish operations will cease. This means we must import fish like Walleye and Perch from Canada. This means restaurants like Heck’s Bar in Pinnebog, the American Legion, and other pubs offering fresh Great Lakes fish today may be unable to offer it tomorrow.
Value of Fishing to Michigan
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission states that the Great Lakes commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries are collectively valued at more than $7 billion annually and support over 75,000 jobs. Lake whitefish, walleye, yellow perch, and ciscoes are the foundation of the commercial fishery. Salmon, walleye, trout, and muskellunge (among many other species) help comprise recreational fishing.
Proposed Bill Still Early in Process But Under Scrutiny
House Bill 4212 has only received its first reading and must pass through three readings, House and Senate approval, and ultimately the Governor’s signature before becoming law. However, the debate it has triggered reveals deeper questions about Michigan’s vision for its Great Lakes fisheries—and who gets to shape it.
Related Coverage To Ban Saginaw Bay Commercial Fishing
- “State of the Great Lakes 2022” – Environment Canada and EPA report highlighting ecological changes in Saginaw Bay
- “Great Lakes Fishery: Commercial vs. recreational conflict
- The Planned Demise Of The Michigan Commercial Fishing
Citations:
Michigan DNR “State of the Great Lakes 2022”; 2025 House Bill 4212 Full Text; Interview quotes from Huron Daily Tribune (March 26, 2025)
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