Emergency Rule Extends Fishing Season

The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board, at an emergency meeting October 17th,  approved extending the commercial whitefish season to October 31st in Green Bay and Lake Michigan for 2011 in order to ensure Wisconsin’s commercial fishers are competitive with Michigan fishers.

The DNR proposed extending the season at the request of the Lake Michigan Commercial Fishing Board, which advises the DNR on commercial fishing issues in Lake Michigan.

The DNR estimates that extending the whitefish season by six days will benefit a dozen commercial fishers and would generate an estimated $161,300 in additional wholesale value, which would increase if some of the catch is marketed retail. The number of commercial fishers has declined over the last 20 years from 145 to 57, so assuming an even catch distribution, each business stands to gain $13,583 as a result of this rule.

The DNR determined that an emergency exists and the rule is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public welfare.

This rule requires emergency action to enhance public welfare as it applies to the economic health of the commercial fishing industry. The extended season date is in line with the regulations in Michigan and makes Wisconsin businesses more competitive with counterparts in Michigan. The additional business revenue and improved competitiveness of the commercial fishing industry rises to the standard of preservation and improvement of the public welfare required for emergency rule making.

The NRB will hold its regular meeting October 26th.