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.
In 1987, the author had a bountiful fishing trip at Saginaw Bay. Now, a fishery owner, Lakon Williams, calls for help due to declining Yellow Perch population and government inaction. She urges people to attend a meeting, comment on a management plan, and support the fishery. The future of the Saginaw Bay fishery is at stake.
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.
A legislative proposal is poised to bring a sea change. House Bill 5108, a beacon of hope for the commercial fishing industry, emerges against decades-long decline and regulatory challenges. This bill, introduced by State Representative Jason Morgan, is not just a legislative proposal; it’s a clarion call for revitalization, balancing economic aspirations with ecological sustainability for Michigan’s Fisheries.
Historically, Saginaw Bay supported Lake Huron’s largest commercial walleye fishery and was second in the Great Lakes to only Lake Erie.
The earliest commercial fisheries dated to the 1830s, and walleye were specifically noted in catch records as early as 1858.
The Michigan Fish Producers Association representing the few commercial fishermen that remain in Michigan is suing the state’s Department of Natural Resources over changes to industry rules. Commercial fishermen were informed by the Michigan DNR that the agency did not renew commercial fishing licenses for 2021.
A trio of bills now under consideration in the Michigan legislature will, if passed, be the final act that may eliminate the 13 remaining family owned commercial fishing businesses in the state.
