DNR To Host Public Meeting On Lake Superior Fisheries Management Updates

ASHLAND, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a virtual public meeting to discuss Lake Superior resource management on June 29, 2021.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 29, 2021. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom video conferencing. The public can also join by phone by dialing 312-626-6799 and entering the meeting ID number 847 5042 9491.

At the meeting, the DNR will share commercial fishery data and provide updates on new rules, including changes to commercial and guide reporting. The DNR is hosting the meeting to share information about fishery resources and stakeholder desires and preferences relating to implementing the Lake Superior Fisheries Management Plan.

“Management of the commercial fishery is an important component of Lake Superior fisheries management and we are in the process of converting to electronic harvest reports from fishers,” said Brad Ray, DNR Lake Superior Fisheries Team Supervisor. “Additionally, our team recently created a new commercial harvest summary report format and we want to share this information with the Lake Superior stakeholders.”

The DNR currently requires biweekly harvest reports from commercial operators on Lake Superior and is working to require more frequent and efficient reporting of commercial operations. Additionally, the DNR has been working on a rule for enhanced guide reporting that would improve harvest monitoring in conjunction with other harvest reports from commercial and charter operations.

“While these will be the primary topics discussed, we will offer an opportunity for participants to give input on any fisheries management topic of interest regarding Lake Superior and its tributaries,” Ray said.

Lake Superior has excellent and diverse recreational fishing opportunities and a vibrant commercial fishery. Recreational and commercial fishing are essential components of the region’s culture, economy and tourism.

More information on Lake Superior fisheries management is available on the DNR’s website.