Wisconsin officials address decline of commercial fishing in Lake Michigan

In a recent meeting of the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board, discussions centered on the troubling state of commercial fishing in Lake Michigan, particularly around Port Washington and southern regions. The meeting revealed a stark decline in fish populations, notably yellow perch and chubs, which have significantly impacted local fisheries.

A representative highlighted that commercial fishing has virtually vanished south of Sheboygan, with only a few part-time boats operating out of Sheboygan itself. The once-thriving fishery in Milwaukee has also disappeared, leaving only minimal fishing activity in areas like Algoma and Sturgeon Bay. The decline has raised concerns among local sport fishers, particularly regarding legislative measures that restrict fishing in certain areas to protect lake trout.

Marcy, a board member, sought clarification on the economic implications of the closed fishery, specifically regarding yellow perch. Justine, another member, explained that the values presented were based on actual harvest data from Green Bay, not estimates from Lake Michigan. This distinction underscores the severity of the situation, as the yellow perch population in Lake Michigan has been declining for decades due to ecological changes, including the impact of invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels.

The board acknowledged ongoing research efforts aimed at rehabilitating the yellow perch population, which have been in place for over 20 years. However, the challenges posed by environmental shifts continue to hinder recovery efforts. As discussions concluded, it was clear that the future of commercial fishing in Wisconsin's waters remains uncertain, with stakeholders eager for solutions to restore the once-abundant fish populations.