House Passes Walberg's Legislation to Preserve Great Lakes Fisheries

Today, the House passed the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act. Introduced by Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), and Bill Huizenga (R-MI), the legislation would establish a program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to work with state and tribal governments to implement mass marking of fish at hatcheries in the Great Lakes. 

"From Lake Michigan to Lake Erie, our fisheries are a cornerstone of our way of life," said Rep Walberg. "As an avid fisherman myself, I understand how robust and healthy fisheries are a lifeline for Michiganders, fueling local economies, offering world-class opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, and upholding traditions for many families. I am pleased to see the House pass this vital legislation to ensure we have the tools and data necessary to preserve the fisheries of the Great Lakes for generations to come."

“Mass marking is the practice of tagging large numbers of hatchery-raised fish so we can easily distinguish them from the wild fish population," said Rep. Dingell. "Currently, we only mark 41 percent of hatchery fish. The implementation of mass marking will help us better understand the fish populations of our Great Lakes and the cultural, economic, recreational, and food benefits they provide. This bill provides the tools needed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to implement a mass marking program for every hatchery fish in the Great Lakes region, which will allow fishery managers to collect valuable, timely information, ultimately improving the effectiveness and efficiency of hatchery operations and fishery management. I’m proud it passed the House, and will continue to work across the aisle with my colleagues to get it signed into law.” 

“Recreational fishing generates significant revenue for small businesses across Michigan while also allowing anglers and families to make memories that last a lifetime,” said Rep. Huizenga. “Establishing a Great Lakes Mass Marking Program will improve the effectiveness of our fisheries while enhancing the environmental, scientific, and recreational benefits that healthy fish populations provide. This bipartisan initiative is a win for both the economy and the ecology of the Great Lakes.”

Congressman Walberg serves as a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources. For more information on his work in Congress, please visit walberg.house.gov.