This from Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC)
A group of angling and conservation organizations MUCC belongs to that has been fighting for recreational anglers’ rights received its day in court last week.
Popular recreational fishing waters like Grand Traverse Bay, Big Bay de Noc, Hammond Bay and waters off the ports of Ludington, Frankfort and Grand Haven will see gill nets for the first time in more than four decades if the proposed decree is accepted.
Gill nets are incredibly efficient and effective. They can be fished with small boats and with minimal start-up costs. One CPMR concern is that local fishery stocks will be depleted to near zero, as history has shown us, and recreational anglers will be left with no fish to catch.
This is juxtaposed next to a lake trout fishery that still has not recovered. Spending two days in court listening to Tribal and State attorneys argue about how many fish they should be able to take while ignoring the elephant in the room was eye-opening.
We are currently awaiting the Judge’s order, but the parties are expected to be back in court next month. The coalition and the fisheries need your help. Learn more about how to help by clicking here.
