News History & Fun in Michigan
Commercial fishing is the large-scale harvesting of fish, shellfish, and other seafood for sale and distribution. It supports global food security and economies, providing millions of jobs in fishing, processing, and distribution. Common methods include trawling, longlining, and netting, each tailored to specific species like cod, tuna, or shrimp.
Sustainability is a growing focus in commercial fishing, as overfishing and bycatch threaten marine ecosystems. Regulations, quotas, and innovations like selective gear aim to balance industry needs with environmental conservation. From small family-owned operations to industrial fleets, commercial fishing plays a vital role in feeding the world while navigating complex challenges.
Leland, Michigan evolved from a sawmill and iron-smelting town into one of Lake Michigan’s last commercial fishing villages. Its historic Fishtown, weathered docks and family fisheries continue to tell one of Michigan’s most remarkable waterfront stories.
Before marinas and beach towns, Michigan’s Great Lakes ports were working fishing hubs. From Bay Port to Leland, these towns fed the Midwest and shaped life along the water from 1890 to 1940.
Port Sanilac, Michigan, once a hub for commercial fishing from the late 19th to mid-20th century, transitioned to recreational fishing by the 1970s due to overfishing and regulatory changes. The town now celebrates its fishing heritage through local museums.
A vintage postcard reveals the once-booming fishing docks of Caseville. Learn how the Gillingham Fish Company helped shape the Thumb’s economy—and what remains today.
On April 23, 1907, the fishing tug Searchlight capsized in a storm off Harbor Beach, resulting in the loss of all six crew members. This tragedy shocked the community and remains a grim chapter in Huron County’s fishing history.
A proposed Michigan bill to ban commercial fishing in Saginaw Bay by 2027 faces strong backlash from local fishers concerned about the industry’s collapse. Critics argue the legislation lacks input from affected parties and threatens their livelihoods.
The R.L. Gillingham Fish Company, established in 1886, played a key role in Bay Port, Michigan’s development as a major commercial fishing port. Overcoming setbacks like a fire and economic challenges, the company left a lasting legacy. Today, its influence is evident in the Bay Port Historic Commercial Fishing District.
This opinion piece highlights the negative impact of commercial netting on fisheries, public trust, and local economies. It also points out ecological and safety concerns, advocating for restrictions on commercial netting to protect the Great Lakes and recreational fishing industry.
