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Recreational Boating Industries Educational Foundation (RBIE) has committed $28,500 in scholarships to 20 applicants who will pursue careers in the boating industry.The Michigan Boating Industries Association founded the RBIEF to advance opportunities for scholarships and training in the the Great Lake State. Traditional scholarships are awarded to college students interested in marine careers, as well as to MBIA members and their employees for professional training, conferences and certifications. Continuing scholarship applications can be submitted year-round. With this year’s awards, RBIEF has distributed $460,617 since 1986. Michigan supports the third-largest recreational boating market in the country and needs qualified, educated individuals to continue a leadership role. • Mitchell Beauregard, of Grosse Pointe Shores • Ryan Brohl, of Roseville • Lauren Brondyke, of Holland • Emilie Clayton, of Macomb • Tait Grady, of Lake Orion • Hunter Hambrick, of Clarkston • Alexander Martin, of Northville • Ben McQueen, of Kaleva • Allison Mowrey, of Fenton • Ty Northrup, of Jackson • Alex Oosse, of Traverse City • Taylor Oselka, of Long Beach (Ind.) • Palmer, Grayden of Jenison • Brennan Smith, of Saranac • Mary Valentik, of Harrison Township • Patrick Verhaeghe, of Shelby • Andrew Wagner, of Saginaw • Tyler Waters, of Macomb • Gavin Webster, of Grosse Pointe • Christian Yonkus, of Grosse Pointe Farm . The MBIA is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and advancing the interests of the recreational boating industry in Michigan. It aims to support its members through advocacy, education, and resources that help them thrive in
Agreement to Protect Great Lakes from Invasive Species: Brandon Road Interbasin Project The Michigan Governor announced that Michigan has signed an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Illinois to cosponsor the Brandon Road Interbasin Project. This agreement secures $274 million in federal and $114 million in state funding for the first phase of the $1.15 billion project, aimed at preventing invasive carp and other aquatic nuisance species from entering the Great Lakes. The Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet, Illinois, is a critical point to stop invasive carp. The project will implement a series of deterrents to prevent these species from moving into the Great Lakes. Construction is set to begin, marking a major milestone in the ongoing battle against Asian Carp. Invasive carp, Asian carp, can outcompete native fish species like lake whitefish, perch, and walleye, leading to reduced populations of these commercially and recreationally important fish. The 90 million Great Lakes fishing industry, which supports thousands of jobs and contributes significantly to the region’s economy, could suffer from decreased fish populations. This agreement is a pivotal step forward in protecting the Great Lakes from invasive carp, ensuring the preservation of the region’s natural resources and the sustainability of its fishing communities. The collaborative efforts of Michigan, Illinois, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are crucial in safeguarding the Great Lakes for future generations. For more information scan this code to go directly to the website
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).