Michigan Charter Boat Association

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). 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 [...]

The Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) reported that a major seizure of baby eels at the Toronto Airport that federal officials say were being shipped overseas. Elvers, often referred to as glass eels due to their translucent bodies , migrate from the ocean to coastal rivers where they can be harvested. There is a high demand at Asian markets where they are raised to maturity for food, elvers are the most valuable fish by weight in Canada. They are commonly used in dishes like sushi cuisine. These baby eels are worth about $2,270 per pound—more than lobsters, scallops, or salmon.