The Michigan Fish Producers Association website lists only 18 members. The DNR reports that there are 51 state-issued commercial fishing licenses, but that only 35 of those “are actually fished in a given year.” Media reports indicate that there are 21 non-native commercial fishing businesses in the state, and 13 of those rely solely on fishing for 100% of their income. Native fisheries harvest a similar amount, having netted an additional $5 million worth of fish in 2017. In 2018, Michigan’s commercial fishers harvested about 2.5 million pounds of fish with a total value of $4.3 million - 91% of that value was associated with whitefish. But today, Michigan’s commercial fishing operations make up a very small part of the overall market. Large fleets of commercial fishing boats once employed thousands, helping to drive the economies of lake communities and playing a significant role in Michigan’s broader economy. Information presented by the tribes to the Senate Natural Resources Committee indicates that native fisheries also have strong economic links to the state-licensed commercial fishers, who provide them a key means of accessing the market. But fishing’s overall economic value is spread across a variety of groups, each of which has its own interests.įishing in the state also includes tribal fisherman, who claim the 1836 treaty and the 2000 Consent Decree give them primary commercial fishing rights in many areas of the Great Lakes.

Families hitting the nearest pond or river, fly fishers casting into their favorite pool and riffle, and competitors heading out for a local walleye tournament are collectively the “big fish” in terms of economic impact. The hundreds of thousands of people who fish for fun and sport represent the lion’s share of fishermen and the bulk of the economic activity associated with fishing in the state.

The DNR’s recent decision to overhaul fishing regulations and delay the licenses for commercial fishers, however, appears to have tipped the scales against one interest without sufficient reason.Ī 2019 report, published by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, claims recreational fishing in Michigan generates $2.3 billion in economic activity. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is responsible for managing the state’s natural resources and for balancing the interests of businesses, residents and visitors to the Great Lakes.

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