|
|  |
|
|
The Michigan DNR Announces New Walleye Fishing Policies
By Senator Gerald Van Woerkom
 Due to the cold snowy weather outside, many people are not thinking about fishing. But it is never too early to be preparing for the spring and the changes that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued last month regarding walleye fishing on Lake Erie. I want to take this column to highlight these changes because fishing is an important component of Michigan’s tourism economy, and the new rules may have a significant impact on the tourism industry in the surrounding area.
Since 1998 there has been strong scientific evidence documenting a loss of annual recruitment and depletion of the Lake Erie walleye population. In response to this problem, Michigan, along with Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ontario have agreed to make revisions in their policies that govern walleye fishing. The DNR has recently announced the changes that Michigan will put into effect to meet the goal of preserving walleye. The new rules are designed to cut the harvest of walleye by 40 percent by implementing a 15-inch minimum size limit, a five fish daily bag limit and closing the harvest season between April 1st and May 31st. The other states and Ontario are currently implementing similar changes as well.
The response to these new rules has been lukewarm at best. There is concern that the new restrictions are too prohibitive on Michigan anglers and that other states will have more lenient rules. There is additional concern as to how the limited fishing season will impact tourism businesses near Lake Erie. Many of these shops are dependent upon a strong Memorial Day weekend, and they will be left without it in 2004.
It is important to realize that the DNR is trying to balance both the short-term enjoyment of walleye fishing and the local revenue it provides with the long-term health of the walleye population. If the state does not act this year, Lake Erie might never be able to fully recover their walleye supply. That is why these temporary changes are necessary for the long-term health of the tourism economy in the region.
|
|
|
