Board adopts permanent trawling rule for Lake Michigan whitefish; adds measurement methods and a short camera exemption

The Natural Resources Board on April 9 adopted board order FH01-23, changing chapter NR 25 to govern trawling for lake whitefish on Lake Michigan. The rule replaces a provision set to expire in October 2025 and makes three principal changes: it makes the December 1–August 31 trolling/trawling season permanent; it adds a one-time, 14-day allowance for commercial fishers to continue fishing while repairing required video monitoring equipment; and it more precisely defines the trawl net’s cut end and legal measurement methods.

Why it matters: The rule affects commercial trawlers and the Lake Michigan whitefish fishery by clarifying gear dimensions and enforcement methods. The measurement and camera provisions were the focus of public comment and board questions; the adopted language also includes a delayed compliance window so currently used nets may be used through 2026.

What the rule changes

- Season: Trolling for lake whitefish is allowed annually from Dec. 1 through Aug. 31; the sunset in earlier language was removed so the allowance is permanent.

- Camera monitoring exemption: If required on‑board video surveillance equipment malfunctions, the rule allows a one-time, 14-day exemption during a calendar year for repairs so the fisher may continue to fish while fixing the video system.

- Cut-end and measurement: The rule maintains the current standard that the cut end of the trawl net must be 4.5-inch stretch mesh but adds and codifies two approved measurement techniques for measuring the cut-end. The department added a rebar/bar measurement (four-side bar method totalling 9 inches) and a dynamometer method that applies 11 pounds of pressure and uses a 115-millimeter stretch to approximate 4.5 inches. The rule also clarifies how to measure other net dimensions using the existing 1-pound hanging-weight method.

Stakeholder comments and board discussion

- Department presentation: Justine Haas, Fisheries Management Bureau director, told the board the changes were developed after questions at a February meeting and after consultation with other Lake Michigan managers, including Michigan’s DNR. Haas said department surveys and commercial trawl catch both show roughly 1% bycatch of sublegal whitefish in their targeted sampling, and that the 4.5-inch metric has been used for decades in state gill nets and in Michigan trawl gear.

- Commercial fishery input: Dan Politsky (Two Rivers), who has long been involved with commercial fishery issues, said existing cod-end net dimensions used in trials measured approximately 4 5/16ths to 4 3/8ths in practice and urged keeping the current cod-end that has been used in recent years. Mike LeClaire, representing Susie Q Fish Company, said his company’s camera footage had shown small fish escaping and emphasized existing protections (a 10% bycatch threshold; video review) and wholesalers’ market preferences for larger fish.

- Board clarifications: Board members asked the department to justify measurement methods and to confirm interstate consistency; the department responded that the 4.5-inch stretch standard aligns with Michigan and other states and that the new dynamometer and bar measurement options improve accuracy for the cut end.

Decision and implementation

The board adopted the order by voice vote. The rule as adopted includes a delayed implementation date for the newly codified cut-end dimensions so existing nets may continue in use through 2026, giving fishers time to come into compliance or replace nets as needed.

Ending: The department will notify affected fishers and commercial operators of the measurement options, the delayed compliance schedule, and the 14-day camera-exemption procedure; the Fisheries Bureau will also continue coordination with neighboring states on comparable gear standards.