The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to enhance regulations surrounding commercial fishing in Michigan. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "abandoned gear," "commercial fisher," and "illegal fish," while establishing that fish in designated waters are considered state property. The bill prohibits the issuance of permits for the taking and sale of game fish by commercial fishers and grants the Department of Natural Resources the authority to limit the number of commercial fishing licenses based on various factors. Additionally, it allows the Department to take fish for scientific purposes and mandates compensation for commercial fishers for any seized fish at fair market value. The bill also repeals outdated provisions and clarifies the Department's authority in managing commercial fishing activities.

Further, the bill outlines specific regulations for fishing in the Great Lakes, including restrictions on certain fishing gear and designated areas where fishing is prohibited. It establishes requirements for commercial fishers regarding the documentation of their catch and the maintenance of records, while also introducing penalties for non-compliance. The bill mandates that wholesale fish dealers maintain detailed transaction records and allows for inspections by peace officers. Additionally, it sets forth regulations for retail fish dealers and fish cleaning stations, emphasizing compliance with food processing laws and proper disposal of salmon carcasses. Overall, the legislation aims to promote sustainable fishing practices, enhance accountability in the fish supply chain, and protect aquatic resources in Michigan.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.47301