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Board postpones decision on Lake Michigan lake whitefish trawling rule after technical question about net measurement
Summary
A proposed rule to codify trawling gear and monitoring for Lake Michigan lake whitefish (board order FH-01-23) was deferred to the April meeting so staff can clarify how the cod-end mesh will be measured and finalize technical language.
The Natural Resources Board postponed action on proposed board order FH-01-23, which would codify the trawl net dimensions and monitoring requirements that have been in use for cooperative lake whitefish harvest in Lake Michigan. Department and fisheries staff explained the rule would replace a temporary sunseted rule and make permanent the surveillance, reporting and net specifications required of the sole commercial trawler operating under the pilot program.
Why it matters: The proposal includes detailed gear specifications (net sections and cod-end mesh), video monitoring requirements and reporting obligations intended to limit bycatch of undersized lake whitefish. Industry and enforcement representatives asked for precise, methodical language about how to measure the cod-end (stretch mesh vs. bar measurement) because different measurement methods return different numerical values for the same net; that difference affects compliance.
Board action: After extended discussion and public testimony, the board voted to postpone adoption and asked staff to return in April with clarified, agreed-upon measurement language and any needed adjustments to the timeline.
Public comment and next steps: Commercial operator testimony emphasized the trawl has shown low bycatch rates and requested measurement methods be consistent with industry practice; fisheries staff agreed to refine the cod-end measurement language and return to the board in April for a final vote.
