House approves mass fish tagging program to strengthen Great Lakes conservation, bolster Michigan’s economy, and improve hatchery data collection.

Michigan Congressional Delegation Pushes Major Great Lakes Fisheries Reform

In a rare show of bipartisan unity, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act, legislation co-sponsored by Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), and Bill Huizenga (R-MI). The bill directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to coordinate with state and tribal agencies to implement a standardized fish tagging system across all hatcheries in the Great Lakes region.

The bill aims to significantly improve the tracking, management, and sustainability of Great Lakes fish populations by requiring mass marking—a technique that allows fisheries to distinguish hatchery-raised fish from wild stocks.

Michigan’s Role in Advancing Hatchery Science and Conservation

The legislation has clear implications for Michigan, which is home to thousands of anglers and boasts one of the most extensive hatchery systems in the Midwest. Only 41% of Great Lakes fisheries hatchery fish are currently marked, according to Rep. Dingell, who emphasized the need for more robust data collection to support ecosystem sustainability.

“This bill provides the tools needed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to implement a mass marking program for every hatchery fish in the Great Lakes region,” Dingell said. “It will allow fishery managers to collect valuable, timely information, ultimately improving the effectiveness and efficiency of hatchery operations and fishery management.”

Rep. Walberg, who represents Michigan’s 5th Congressional District and serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources, called the measure “vital” to preserving Michigan’s outdoor heritage.

“Our fisheries are a cornerstone of our way of life,” said Walberg. “They fuel local economies, offer world-class outdoor opportunities, and uphold family traditions.”

Economic Boost Expected for Michigan’s Fishing-Dependent Businesses

Rep. Huizenga highlighted the economic benefits, noting the significant contribution of recreational fishing to local economies, particularly in communities heavily reliant on tourism and outdoor recreation.

“Recreational fishing generates significant revenue for small businesses across Michigan while also allowing anglers and families to make memories that last a lifetime,” Huizenga stated.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, sportfishing contributes more than $2.3 billion annually to the state’s economy, making the bill’s economic impact potentially far-reaching.

Tribal and State Collaboration Will Be Key For Great Lakes Fisheries

The act mandates coordination between federal, state, and tribal fishery managers to ensure the program’s success. This unified approach may reduce redundancy, increase resource sharing, and streamline scientific assessments across state lines.

While the bill passed the House, it must still clear the Senate before it can become law. No formal opposition has been announced.

Related Legislation and Broader Context on Fishery Management

The Great Lakes fisheries mass marking strategy aligns with broader efforts to modernize hatchery practices and enhance fish population modeling in the face of environmental threats, including invasive species, climate change, and pollution, in the Great Lakes basin.

This move follows recent NOAA funding expansions for Great Lakes restoration, and Michigan’s own 2025 initiatives on coastal resilience and inland fisheries, pointing to a growing emphasis on science-driven management.

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