Current Michigan Law for Marking Fish Nets
(Marine Safety Act)
Buoys marking fish nets can be placed without
a permit from the DNR
Buoys marking gill or trap nets shall have
a spar buoy with a staff not less than 1 inch in diameter spar
Buoy exposure shall not be less than 5.5
ft above the water surface
Spar buoy shall have a black flag on top
not less than 10 x 12 in. (Note: The DNR Law Division has not cited the use of orange
flags as a violation)
Have affixed a license number or other identification
number
Be maintained in good and serviceable condition
Float in an upright position
The lifting buoy of a trap net shall have
metallic plates or cylinders not less than 6 inches in height affixed near the top and capable
of radar detection from an arc of 360 degrees
Affixing of a metal radar reflective device
to the top of a gill net buoy is optional
Net Marking - prior to 1/1/2002
All nets must be marked at each end
with a buoy on the surface.
Buoy must show the license number
of the owner of the net.
Gill Nets set in water greater than 15 feet,
must be marked on the surface at each end with a 4 foot staff
buoy, 12"x12" red or orange flag, and owner's license
number.
Gill Nets set in water less than 15 feet,
must be marked on the surface at each end with a 6"x14"
float with owner's licence number, and a 1.5"x4" float
every 12 feet, or a red or orange 6"x14" float every
300 feet.
