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DNR updates board on Lake Superior and Lake Michigan commercial fisheries, electronic reporting and market developments
Summary
DNR fisheries staff reported on harvest trends, new electronic fish‑harvest reporting (EFERS/EFIS), quota adjustments and market initiatives (100% Great Lakes Fish). Lake Superior dockside value was about $2.4M in 2023; Lake Michigan whitefish value was near $6M. Staff and commercial boards noted ecosystem changes (mussel impacts), strong year classes (cisco), and ongoing rule work (trawl rule, lake trout scope statement).
Department of Natural Resources fisheries staff briefed the board Oct. 23 on commercial fishing in both Great Lakes.
On Lake Superior, Brad Ray and Craig Hooman described multi‑year harvest trends for whitefish, cisco and lake trout, monthly trigger monitoring to avoid overharvest, and a 2023 dockside value near $2.4 million for state‑licensed harvests. Craig highlighted rollout challenges and benefits of the new electronic fish‑harvest reporting system (EFERS/EFIS), which provides near‑real‑time harvest, species and location data and has improved quota monitoring. Ray and Craig also discussed a large 2022 year‑class of cisco that will be recruitable to commercial gear in the coming seasons and the department’s management response.
On Lake Michigan, Justine (Bureau of Fisheries Management) and Charlie Hendriksen reported 2023 harvest numbers with total Lake Michigan plus Green Bay whitefish harvests around 919,000 lb and green bay whitefish of ~701,000 lb; dockside value estimates for Lake Michigan whitefish approached $6 million in 2023. They described persistent challenges: yellow perch declines in southern Lake Michigan and near‑zero chub harvests due to ecosystem changes driven by zebra/quagga mussels. The Lake Michigan commercial fishing board and DNR staff reviewed priorities including a permanent trawl rule (currently under a sunset), lake trout data collection and a pending lake trout scope statement being finalized for administrative review; EFERS data collection is being used to support assessments and any future rulemaking.
Commercial fishing chairs said EFERS has been useful despite initial connectivity challenges and urged continued protection of closure dates and refuge areas. Both sides emphasized partnerships with Sea Grant, universities, and processing industry initiatives (100% Great Lakes Fish) that increase product value by using more of harvested fish.
