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Commercial and Tribal Harvest Update Detailed Harvest Data The following .pdf provides specific harvest data, broken down by region and species. The data included covers: State Commercial Harvest Activity: Detailed records of Lake Whitefish harvested in treaty waters. Tribal Commercial Harvest Activity: Comprehensive data on the tribal harvest of various species, with an emphasis on Lake Whitefish and Lake Trout. Tribal_Advisory_Committee_06_24_2024_Harvest Update
Fishing Tournament Information System a valuable tool for fisheries managers and the public Michigan’s Bass fishing tournaments have long been a cornerstone of angler activity, and the state’s Department of Natural Resources has significantly advanced its oversight and data collection with the introduction of the new Fishing Tournament Portal. Over the past decade, the portal has revolutionized how tournament organizers register and report their events, mandated by state law for bass, walleye, and muskellunge tournaments since 2016 and 2019 respectively.The portal’s primary objective is to provide comprehensive insights into Michigan’s vibrant tournament scene, tracking event frequency, participant numbers, and crucial catch data across over 300 lakes annually. This robust system not only aids in regulatory compliance but also enhances the DNR’s capacity to monitor fisheries health and manage resources effectively.Tournament logistics remain familiar: competitors gather at designated lakes, vie for the heaviest catch, and responsibly release fish post-event. With approximately 2,600 bass, 100 walleye, and 15 muskie tournaments annually, drawing anglers statewide, the portal serves as a pivotal tool for tournament directors. Each director maintains a unique account to streamline registration and facilitate communication, ensuring smooth coordination of events and minimizing overlap on popular waters. Beyond its administrative role, the portal features a user-friendly interface accessible to the public, allowing lakeshore residents and recreationalists to track tournament schedules by lake, county, or date. This transparency empowers stakeholders to plan activities accordingly, whether joining tournaments or seeking quieter waters for leisure. Reflecting on its success, DNR officials commend the portal’s evolution
Fisheries staff had to euthanize just over 31,000 Atlantic salmon that were sick with bacterial kidney disease, or BKD. Atlantic Salmon, photo curtosy of Dan Cruchon of Stormy Chinook Charters The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced a setback in its fish stocking efforts due to a significant health issue affecting Atlantic salmon at the Harrietta State Fish Hatchery in Wexford County. Over 31,000 Atlantic salmon had to be euthanized because of an outbreak of bacterial kidney disease (BKD). Routine Inspection Uncovers BKD In early April, during a routine prestocking inspection at the Harrietta State Fish Hatchery, the Michigan State University Aquatic Animal Health Lab detected signs of BKD. This disease, caused by the bacterium Renibacterium salmoninarum, is known for its detrimental effects on trout and salmon populations. Historically, it played a major role in the decline of Great Lakes Chinook salmon in the 1980s. Unsuccessful Treatment Efforts Following the discovery, a 28-day antibiotic treatment was administered, concluding on May 17. Unfortunately, this treatment did not fully eradicate the infection. Subsequent testing still showed active signs of the disease, preventing the fish from being safely stocked. Regulations and Biosecurity “Fish positive for Level 1 restricted pathogens can be stocked in areas where the pathogen is known to exist, but only if they show no active signs of disease,” explained Ed Eisch, Assistant Chief of the DNR Fisheries Division. Given the continued signs of BKD, these fish could not be released. Aaron Switzer, DNR Fish Production Program Manager, noted
MDNR fisheries – June meetings, the DNR welcomes public participation, comments The Department of Natural Resources announced opportunities for Michigan residents to share input and ideas on policy decisions, programs and other aspects of natural resource management and outdoor recreation opportunities. One important avenue for this input is at meetings of the public bodies that advise the DNR and, in some cases, also set policies for natural and cultural resource management. Frequently check the DNR boards, commissions, committees and councils webpage for updates. The links below will take you to the webpage for each group, where you will find meeting details such as location and agenda (when finalized). Please check these pages often, as meeting details may change and sometimes meetings are canceled. June meetings Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens’ Advisory Council – Wednesday, June 5, 6 p.m. EDT (Contact: Stacy Welling Haughey, 906-226-1331). Michigan Natural Resources Commission – Thursday, June 13, 9:30 a.m. (Contact: NRC@Michigan.gov). Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board – Wednesday, June 12, 9 a.m. (Contact: Jon Mayes, 517-284-5954). Michigan State Waterways Commission – (tour) Wednesday, June 26, 1 p.m.; (meeting) Thursday, June 27, 9 a.m. (Contact: Michelle Wieber, 517-285-0747). Tribal Co-management Citizens Fishery Advisory Committee – Monday, June 24, 6:30 p.m. (Contact: David Caroffino, 231-350-8654).
Prized FishAccording the the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC), a major seizure of baby eels at Toronto’s International Airport, destined for overseas, valued at $400,000 and $500,000. The seizure of 240 pounds of elvers was carried out on mid May by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canada Border Services Agency. Federal officials have issued a clear warning against traveling to Nova Scotia to illegally fish or export elvers, stating that enforcement officers will be waiting for violators. The baby eels are worth about $2,270 per pound—more than lobsters, scallops, or salmon—making them the most valuable fish by weight in Canada. Elvers weigh just a few grams (approximately 0.1 ounces) and are less than 4 inches long. The baby eels, sometimes called glass eels, are typically flown to Asia where they’re raised to maturity and sold for food and used in unagi dishes at sushi restaurants. Commercial fishers have observed that Department officials have significantly increased their enforcement efforts in recent years, moving away from what was previously seen as a soft approach to poaching. Elvers are fished at night from coastal rivers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Maine. They are harvested in the springtime as they return to the rivers from their ocean spawning areas. The slippery fish can be harvested using minimal equipment, often with a bucket and a fine, funnel-shaped net called a fyke net or a dip net. Elvers Elvers are young, baby eels that are in the early stages of their
OFF-LINEMCBA Reached Out to the CILERMichigan Charter Boat Association reached out to the University of Michigan CILER who owns and maintains the Ludington weather buoy. The delay in this Springs’ deployment of Ludington Weather Buoy 45024 is due to the fact that it is getting a complete makeover and upgrade, according to lead engineer Russ Miller of the University of Michigan CILER. The new weather buoy will weigh only two hundred pounds, with upgraded technology. It will also allow the buoy to be tended by a smaller vessel, which will hopefully allow for longer and earlier periods of deployment. The target date for deployment is mid to late June. He is aware of our busy season and our tournament, so they are working to make sure it will be available for this important stretch. Further updates will be given as they become available.rich professional relationships and provide a means of self-expression. weather bouy