We have been following the plight of commercial fishing on the Great Lakes for several years. As a result, we have been contacted by folks around the country to let us know that the assault on commercial fishing for wild caught fish is not only happening in Michigan but every fishing area in North America.
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We have been following the plight of commercial fishing on the Great Lakes for several years. As a result, we have been contacted by folks around the country to let us know that the assault on commercial fishing for wild caught fish is not only happening in Michigan but every fishing area in North America.
I came across author J.Everheart who writes children’s books and crafts on a website called Simple Southern. She is a native of Hatteras Island, North Carolina. After spending some 14 years in the suburbs of Atlanta, she moved back to her hometown and sought a “quieter life on a remote sandbar.”
One of my favorite posts on Everheart’s site was when she spent time with her father, a commercial fisherman, on Hatteras Island. She outlines a story of a dwindling way of life. This livelihood is fading for the same reason that commercial fishing is being sidelined in the Great Lakes; tourism. It’s all about money and the promotion of the multibillion-dollar tourist economy of recreational fishing. Just like the Great Lakes, the ocean ecosystem of the Outer Banks is being managed for aqua-tourism.
A Glimpse of A Day with an Outer Banks Fisherman
Everheart gives some of the best descriptions of some of the asinine rules that commercial fishers operate in the Outer Banks as they do here in Michigan. She also outlines some of the chilling facts about farm-raised seafood that Americans import and consume from Asia and Canada.
Everheart’s stories really make you think. Are we going to be left with no ability to get to eat fresh, local seafood? The alternative is to depend on huge corporate operations run by foreign countries that don’t have any of our regulations to prevent over-fishing or indiscriminate killing of animals like porpoises and sea turtles. It’s a dilemma that our lawmakers in Lansing better get a handle on.
Everheart’s first story, Commercial Fishing with my Dad in Cape Hatteras, describes fishing on the Outerbanks. It’s the story of a small-scale fisherman who goes out every day to make a living. It also points out that these fishers care about the environment and use sustainable methods.
The second story is more poignant. Commercial Fishing with My Dad- Why You Should Eat Wild Caught American Fish. She outlines the fishing practices and rules that small Outer Bank fishers operate that will leave you shaking your head. Lastly, Everheart’s story will give you pause about buying just about any frozen fish from Asia or Canada.
In 2015 Congress considered adding a second underwater marine sanctuary in the Great Lakes.
There are renewed calls to confirm the new marine sanctuary in Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan waters.
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In 2015 Congress considered adding a second underwater marine sanctuary in the Great Lakes. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, accepted, then tabled the Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary. There are renewed calls to confirm the new marine sanctuary in Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan waters for scuba and recreational opportunities.
Map of proposed boundaries for Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary – Alternatives A and B – Courtesy NOAA
If approved by Congress, it would join Michigan’s Thunder Bay sanctuary in Lake Huron and be the 14th marine sanctuary in the United States.
For Scuba Adventures in Lake Michigan
The proposed 962-square-mile sanctuary would be located along 80 miles of Wisconsin shoreline home to Port Washington, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, and Two Rivers. The boundary extends 9 to 14 miles into the lake. It will contain 39 known shipwrecks found in water depths ranging from 10 to 460 feet—15 of these wreaks listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Most recreational scuba divers will be able to visit wreaks from 100 feet and shallower.
Archival analysis hints that from 60 – 120 additional shipwrecks are yet to be found in the sanctuary area
Outstanding Historical Lake Michigan Shipwrecks to Dive
Walter B Allen sunk in 1880 – Credit: Tamara Thomsen, Wisconsin Historical Society
Fourteen of the known shipwrecks are intact, and the level of hull integrity of these sites far surpasses that of other regions in Wisconsin. Three ships still have the masts standing masts – an uncommonness in the Great Lakes. Four vessels, the Tennie and Laura, the Walter B. Allen, the Gallinipper, and the Silver Lake, all possess standing masts a rarity in the Great Lakes.
A photomosaic of the schooner Walter B. Allen. Credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Sea Grant, Wisconsin Historical Society
A highlight of the sanctuary is the Walter B. Allen. This ship is one of the most intact schooners on the bottom of the Great Lakes. Because it sank slowly in a snowstorm in April 1888, the two masts are still standing and rise to within 90 feet of the surface. The ship rests at 165 feet. The Walter B. Allen’s capstan was recovered and now can be seen in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
An exciting recreational opportunity, a diver swims over the two-masted schooner, Walter B. Allen, sunk in 1880. Credit: Tamara Thomsen, Wisconsin Historical Society
Lake Michigan is the second largest of the Great Lakes with a surface area of 22,300 square miles, making it the largest freshwater lake entirely in the United States and the 5th largest lake in the world.
Next Steps for the Lake Michigan Sanctuary
Gallinipper is Wisconsin’s oldest shipwrecks discovered to date. Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society
NOAA has currently tabled the application after taking public comments. Many people supported the proposed sanctuary during the public comment period, citing the tourism, economic, education, and shipwreck protection benefits.
In 2019, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced his support and petition to the NOAA to renew the Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary proposal. The renewed proposal adds northern Kewaunee County shoreline to Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and Ozaukee counties. With the addition, the sanctuary’s area would increase to 1,260 square miles and adds 4 additional known shipwrecks and 14 additional unexplored potential shipwrecks.
The marine sanctuary would bring new opportunities for research, resource protection, educational programming along with encouraging heritage tourism and Scuba recreation.
NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary System
Image Courtesy NOAA
The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries serves as the administrator for a chain of underwater parks containing more than 600,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters across the country, including Lake Huron to American Samoa. The network includes a system of 14 national marine sanctuaries and Papahānaumokuākea and Rose Atoll marine national monuments.
Four Michigan State legislators demand the restoration of commercial fishing licenses for 13 fisher operations left in Michigan.
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In early January, we published an article that the Michigan DNR effectively shut down commercial fishing in 2021. The DNR refused to issue commercial fishing licenses for 2021. This was distressing. Besides being a loyal customer to the Bay Port Fish Company, we are also big fans of the annual Bay Port Fish Sandwich Festival. Both of these valued institutions would be threatened if fishing wasn’t allowed.
Sometimes writing a letter to your state senator gets things moving
On January 7th, I sent an email to state senator Dan Lauwers calling attention to an issue affecting an essential industry in Michigan; Commercial Fishing. I learned that recent rules instituted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources had, in effect, have shut down the state’s commercial fishing industry for the remaining 13 fishing operations in 2021. Since there was no renewed legislation on commercial fishing, the DNR took the position that licenses would be withheld this year. I’m still scratching my head, wondering the logic behind such a position.
I noted that besides bankrupting these businesses, including the Bay Port Fish Company, that this lack of effort by the DNR will affect restaurants and tourism in our state as we recover from the covid pandemic.
I was extremely pleased with his reply.
Yesterday, Senators Dan Lauwers, Kevin Daley, Curt VanderWall, and Representative Phil Green sent an inquiry to the MDNR director Daniel Eichinger asking that commercial fishing licenses be reinstated until legislation can be introduced, passed by both the House and the Senate, and signed by the Governor. The senators demanded that the Department needed to maintain the 2020 status quo of all commercial fishing licenses and permits. A copy of the legislative letter can be had on this link. The full contents of the senators’ letter to director Eichinger are below.
Letter to Daniel Eichinger, Director January 19, 2021 Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Dear Director Eichinger,
As you are aware, the Michigan Fish Producers Association filed a complaint against the Department of Natural Resources alleging improprieties associated with the Department’s actions and reactions associated with House Bills 4567, 4568 and 4569 that were passed by the House then, taken up, considered but not passed by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources during the last legislative session.
The heart of the matter seems to be the Department openly communicated to the state licensed commercial fisherman that unless the “House Versions” of the bills were passed and signed into law, either their licenses would not be granted in 2021 or dramatically changed to limit their ability to fish as they have in the past.
We will let the Michigan Court of Claims decide whether your Department has violated these citizens’ constitutional right to free speech. However, we are very concerned about a governmental agency using these tactics during the legislative process to achieve the agency’s legislative goals. Apparently, the MDNR was satisfied with the House versions of the bills. However, when Senate Natural Resources Committee Chairman McBroom worked on the legislation, the Department on December 3rd opposed “all” amendments. Shortly thereafter, all state licensed commercial fisherman received a letter from the Department reiterating that “if these bills are not passed this year” — the Department would take dramatic action that either eliminates their fishing licenses, or drastically and negatively changes their ability to do business.
Withholding a person’s license or administratively restricting their business as a threat and/or inducement for supporting, or worse; retaliation for not supporting legislative objectives of the Administration, smacks of totalitarianism along with political and economic extortion. We are concerned this was the objective by the department in its communications to the commercial fishing industry.
The legislative process includes a combination of things including research, analysis, discussion, debate, compromise and decision making by those elected to do so in both the House and Senate. The opinion of a government agency is sometimes also one of these factors. However, in this case it appears the MDNR mistakenly believed that its opinion should have been the Senate’s only deciding factor.
There is no doubt that the commercial fishing law and rules are in great need of updating. However, the need to do so is not the fault of Michigan’s commercial fishing industry. Until legislation can be introduced, passed by both the House and the Senate, and signed by the Governor, the Department needs to maintain the 2020 status quo of all commercial fishing licenses and permits.
Sincerely,
Dan Lauwers, State Senator, 25th District
Kevin Daley, State Senator, 31st District
Curt VanderWall, State Senator, 35th District
Phil Green, State Representative, 84th District
Next Steps for Michigan Commercial Fishing Critical
We will monitor the reaction of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Hopefully, Director Eichinger will order the renewal of the licenses soon.
The Michigan Legislature is still on the hook for finalizing an updated Commercial Fishing Bill. Senator Ed McBroom, who chairs the Natural Resources Committee, is still wrestling with the Michigan DNR issuing a final draft. We will endeavor to keep our readers updated. If you want to follow our stories, please Like or Follow Thumbwind’s Facebook Page.
Related Michigan Commercial Fishing Articles on Thumbwind
The Detroit Army Corps of Engineers have kept records of ice coverage going back to 1973. The map shows the extent of the maximum ice cover on the Great Lakes for each year.
We are tracking the Great Lakes Ice Coverage for the Winter of 2021.
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It’s now late January, and while the shallow areas of Saginaw Bay are ice-covered, much of the surrounding areas are only seeing ice coverage rates in the 2-3% range. Since January 12th, the ice cover has increased a miserly three-tenths of a percent to 2.4%. Typically at this point in the winter, the Great Lakes has an average ice coverage of 10-15%. The primary reason for low ice cover is that the region is seeing temperatures 3 to 8 degrees above normal. This warmer than average winter will likely mean less ice coverage. Recent estimates by NOAA place the highest ice coverage at 30%, occurring in late February.
What Does The Lack of Ice Coverage Mean
When the Great Lakes don’t freeze over, there is more evaporation. This puts moisture in the air resulting in more cloudy grey days across the region. If a cold snap does occur accompanied by wind, the chance for heavy, localized lake effect snow may occur. Due to higher than normal lake levels, beach erosion and lakeshore flooding may be more likely.
What is The Long Term Great Lakes Average Ice Coverage Rate
The long term average for maximum Great Lakes ice coverage is about 53.3%. This record high coverage rate for the Great Lakes was 94.7% set in 1979. The record low ice coverage in the Great Lakes was 11.9% set in 2002.
Great Lakes Annual Max Ice Coverage 1973-2020
Ice coverage data is from NOAA and updated daily. Great Lakes water level data is reported monthly from the Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District.
Great Lakes Ice Coverage January 2021 – Daily Report
Great Lakes Current Ice Coverage January 2021
Current Great Lakes Water Level Report
The report below is interactive and you can control the display. Click on the image to access the dashboard in a new tab.
The Detroit Army Corps of Engineers has kept records of Great Lakes ice coverage going back to 1973. The map shows the extent of the maximum ice cover on the Great Lakes for each year. Data is from the U.S. National Ice Center and the Canadian Ice Service. Satellite data is combined with other sources to translate daily ice charts into a percent cover pixel grid.
It is sporadic for all the Great Lakes to freeze over entirely. Yet they experience substantial ice coverage, with large sections of each lake freezing over in the coldest months. During the winter of 2013-2014, frigid temperatures covered the Great Lakes and the surrounding states. The persistent cold caused 91 percent of the Great Lakes to be frozen by early March 2014. This resulted in late winter of freezing temperatures but sunny clear days and nights.
Impact on 2021 Great Lakes water Levels Likely
Great Lakes Water Levels
Ice cover will lessen the impact of evaporation of Great Lakes due to less exposure to the air. It also could lower the amount of lake effect snowfall in the region. Cold temperatures in early January will be a strong indicator if the Great Lakes will approach total ice coverage in the spring of 2020. A high rate of ice coverage will likely mean higher record-setting Great Lakes water levels in the summer of 2020.
Ice Tsunami Destroys Homes Along Great Lakes Shoreline
This shows the power of water and ice when a little wind gets behind an ice flow near shore.
Related Great Lakes Ice Coverage and Water Level Reporting
In the winter of 2018, there were two deaths and one rescue on the Saginaw Bay ice in the Upper Thumb in early February. We found a short video that describes the steps to survive falling through ice even if you can’t get yourself out of the water. It’s a fight for survival. How to Survive Falling Through the Ice
Great Lakes winters can be brutal. Getting your car ready for winter is critical. NOAA predicts colder-than-average and wetter-than-average conditions are most likely in the Great Lakes and parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Four Ways to Get Your Car Ready for Winter
Five years ago, the entire Great Lakes was witness to low water levels not seen since 1964. Marina’s were dredging; boats were being damaged on shallow reefs not seen a generation, and lake shipping was facing hard times. There was serious concern about how far it would go and what would happen next. A Look Back – 2012 Marina’s Scramble as Water Levels Dropped
The November 2019 update from the Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District point to an outlook that could mean the Great Lakes will continue to rise and break records in 2020. 2020 Great Lakes Water Levels Look to Break Records
Updated each month from the Army Corps of Engineers’ Excepts – Detroit District’s Monthly and Weekly reports for Great Lakes Water Levels and Great Lakes Water Level History. 2021 Great Lakes Current And Historical Water Levels
The Covid pandemic has caused folks to curtail travel. However a new interest in camping now giving families safe way to be outdoors and explore safely.
Also the Michigan DNR has worked with local companies that offer RV and camper rental delivery and set up services in Michigan’s State Parks. This allows outdoor camping for those who want the experience of staying in a camper but not the ownership of one.
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One of the things people miss most about their pre-pandemic lives is travel. Many feel there is just no way to resume traveling adventures while still keeping social distancing rules. Fortunately, this really isn’t true. The answer? RV or camper traveling.
A study conducted in the Fall of 2020 by KOA noted that current campers predict to take their planned camping trip this year, and non-campers say they are now interested in camping due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Leisure travelers – including campers and non-campers – rank camping as the safest form of travel to resume once constraints are lifted.
9 Reasons For An Michigan RV Rental in 2021
Renting an RV or camper is a great way to try camping before investing in one. Plus, this year, it may be considered a cheaper and safer option than roundtripping and staying in hotels. The camper rental company RVshare gave us some great reasons to consider renting an RV and hitting the road this year.
#1 – You Can Avoid Sharing Bathrooms
With the Covid pandemic still raging in this country through 2021, it’s best to entirely avoid public restrooms.
#2 – You Can Cook Your Own Meals
Many of us don’t want others handling our food. When you travel in an RV, you can skip eating out and cook your own favorite meals in a little kitchen that you know is clean.
#3 – You Can Sleep in the Same Bed
Camping in your own RV lessens the risk of bedbugs from a hotel or getting sick with someone else’s germs. You can sleep in the same bed for your entire trip, no matter how many places you stay.
#4 – You can Stay Away From Other People
This perhaps should be the #1 reason to rent your own camper or RV. Staying away from people is key to assuring you avoid capturing the coronavirus. By choosing outdoor activities, you can very comfortably socially distance while still having a great time.
#5 Getting outside in the Sun
It has been suggested that the best way to perk up your immune system is to get out in the sun. Getting out in the sunshine is the best way for your body to produce vitamin D, which can strengthen your immune system, helping you stay healthy all year long.
#6 Getting Outdoors When Camping
Fresh air is amazingly beneficial to your well-being. It can help clear your mind and reduce stress, reduce your blood pressure and heart rate.
#7 Camping Perks Up Your Mental Outlook
Being stuck inside and isolated from the rest of the world since last March isn’t good for anyone. Getting outside, exploring the outdoors, and moving around are all wonderful for your mental health.
#8 You Can Finally See this Great Country of Ours
Traveling outside of our country, even up to Canada, is darn near impossible. Many countries are not allowing US citizens entry and traveling by plane isn’t advisable. 2021 is a great time to click off those sites on your bucket list that you wanted to see in the U.S.
#9 You can Take the Road Less Traveled
You can be more adventurous and travel off the beaten path, knowing you’ll be able to sleep and eat in comfort that night, no matter where you end up. The opportunity to be spontaneous and see something on a mere whim is something we could all use after being on lockdown.
Renting an RV or Camper For Your Next Vacation
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Camping, glamping, and road trips may replace other types of planned trips in 2020.
Interest in RV camping among campers and non-campers can be attributed to cleanliness concerns at other accommodations like hotels or resorts and interest in avoiding shared facilities. Renting an RV or Camper may be the best way for those who have never camped before to try out the experience.
For several years the Michigan DNR has worked with local companies that offer RV motorhome and camper rental delivery and set up services in Michigan’s State Parks. This allows outdoor camping for those who want the experience of staying in a camper but not the ownership of one. It’s a great option for those who want to explore and camp throughout Michigan but don’t want to tow a 30-foot camper for 700 miles.
Port Crescent State Park Campground
Over 30 Michigan DNR, approved vendors can deliver RVs and campers to Michigan’s State Parks. Many of the vendors listed indicate they can deliver to all parks, while some serve specific park campgrounds. This is a great option for those who cannot tow a camper themselves. With a little planning, you can reserve a motorhome rental in Michigan and have it set up for you in any of Michigan’s State Park campgrounds.
Port Crescent State Park Campground Site 70
Camping is considered a safe, economical family get-a-way activity that is increasing in popularity this year. With many working at home, camping is considered an option for those who can work anywhere. Both state parks in Michigan’s Thumb; Albert E. Sleeper and Port Crescent, offer WiFi services. This is ideal for those who need to open a laptop and check email or a project’s work status. Telecommuting while RV camping in a beautiful park setting is a wonderful alternative to working at home.
The Pop-Up, Camper and RV Rental Process
The first step is to reserve a campsite at one of the Michigan state parks you want to visit. The Michigan DNR has an on-line reservation system that can now indicate open sites with only a few days’ lead time. Be sure to note the number and the size of your campsite. You will need this information when renting your pop up camper or RV motorhome.
Next, review the list of camper and RV motorhome vendors that can deliver and set up your rental pop up camper, fifth wheel, or RV at a Michigan park. Our review shows that you can get a full-size camper that sleeps 6 to 8 people from $125-150 a night. Pop up campers range from $300 for a 3 day stay to a full week, (7 days), at $500. Pop up campers can sleep up to six. Consider the security deposit, pet and smoking fees and cancellation terms into your budget
What Should You Bring When you Rent an RV or Camper at a Michigan State Park?
Here is a list of suggested items you will want to bring with you when camping.
Bedding + pillows
Cooking utensils (including pots & pans)
Outdoor grill and utensils
Personal items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc)
Bath towels & washcloths
Bug Spray
Wood and lighter for campfire
Smores (marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate bars)
Swimsuits and beach towels
Hiking shoes
Small mat to wipe your feet
Once you’re ready to leave your pop-up or Michigan RV motorhome rental, you just clean up, pack your belongings and leave. There are no worries about towing, pump-outs, or storage when you get home.
What Can Be Rented at Michigan State Parks?
Horse Rentals And Guiding Services – Privately owned riding stables and guiding services operate in five southeastern Michigan state parks.
Cabins, Lodges, Safari Tents, and Yurts – This is a more upscale camping experience. Numerous state parks now have remote rustic cabin, lodges, safari-style tents, pop-up campers, cottages, tepees, and yurts available for rent.
Track Chairs – Seven state parks have or will offer these great replacements for wheelchairs for an off-road experience. The electronic chairs can easily handle trails, snow, sand, and up to 8 inches of water. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost.
Bike Rental – Currently eight state parks offer bike rental
Camping Gear Rentals – Offers tents, sleeping bags, camp chairs for camping and backpacking.
Michigan Tin Can Tourists at Port Crescent – The enthusiast group was first formed in 1919 in Tampa, Florida. The organization comprises over 1000 members, all of the United States, Canada, and Japan. The rally is regularly held at Port Crescent shows some of the best-restored motor coaches and travel trailers in the region.
Fun at Caseville Campground Since 1919 – Caseville County Park was and is a premier beachfront park in Michigan’s Thumb. The park first opened in 1919 and has been a Caseville campground and beach destination for Southeast Michigan. The park is located on the site of a former sawmill and salt production operation.
10 Interesting Secrets of Michigan’s Sleeper State Park – Named for Michigan Governor and local businessman Albert E. Sleeper, the park is one of two state parks in the Upper Thumb. Visitors can watch both sunrises and sunsets on Saginaw Bay, relax in the shade and seclusion under the tall oaks in the campground, or roam the ancient dune forests’ trails.
Caseville Beach – It All Happens Here – The park’s waterfront offers a large sandy expanse with plenty of room to build sandcastles, play touch football, rent kayaks and swim the day away. Its proximity to the large campground and short distance to town means many visitors frequent it. It’s considered the place to swim in Caseville.
5 Amazing Facts About Michigan’s Port Crescent State Park – From its beaches, you don’t see a single cottage or sign of civilization. You can literally set up your tent or RV on the beach’s edge in its large campground. In between the beach area and the campground is a series of trails that meander through forest and dunes once the lumber townsite along the slow-moving Pinnebog River.
Across Saginaw Bay from Michigan’s Thumb sits one of the prettiest lighthouses in Michigan.
The Michigan History Center has produced a video that offers viewers a virtual tour of climbing the lighthouse tower. As each step is made up of the tower, bits of history and fascinating design and functional aspects of the lighthouse are revealed. In the end, there is a little test you can take to on seven of the little aspects of the Tawas Point Lighthouse.
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Across Saginaw Bay from Michigan’s Thumb sits one of the prettiest lighthouses in Michigan. The Tawas Point Lighthouse was in operation during the lumber boom in 1876 and ran continuously until 2016. The lighthouse and tower sit on a sandy point of land that is said to be always changing. It was said that ship traffic on Saginaw Bay during the late 1800s resembled a busy highway.
This Tawas Point Lighthouse is actually the second lighthouse on the point. The first light station was built in 1853. However, the shifting sands on the point continued to grow until it was of no use to navigation. The 67-foot tower for the second light was built in 1873 and finished in time for the shipping season in 1876. The light was powered by kerosene until 1935, when it was converted to electricity. The 200,000 candle power light can be seen for 16 miles out into Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay. The fourth-order Fresnel lens is still in place.
Tawas Point Lighthouse Tower Climb Video
The Michigan History Center has produced a video that offers viewers a virtual tour of climbing the lighthouse tower. As each step is made up of the tower, bits of history and fascinating design and functional aspects of the lighthouse are revealed. In the end, there is a little test you can take to on seven of the little aspects of the Tawas Point Lighthouse.
Fun Activities at the Lighthouse
Today the lighthouse is part of Tawas Point State Park, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources maintains responsibly for the lighthouse structure and grounds. Lighthouse tours are led during most weekends each summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There are also special events, such as the Tawas Point Haunted Lighthouse weekend, in October.
