August 7, 2004

Press Release, Jointly. The Ludington Area Charterboat Association and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians

LUDINGTON AREA CHARTERBOAT ASSOCIATION AND LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS ANNOUNCE COOPERATIVE EFFORT TO IMPROVE SAFETY AROUND COMMERCIAL TRAP NETS

On August 3 representatives of the Ludington Area Charter Boat Association, and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians (LRBOI) met to discuss fishery issues of mutual concern.  Also in attendance were members of the MDNR Law Enforcement and Fisheries Division, the Attorney General's office, Senator Jerry Van Woerkom’s office, the Michigan Steelheaders, Michigan Sea Grant and the Michigan Charter Boat Association

The Lake Michigan waters off Ludington have always been productive fishing waters. Since 2001, sport anglers have shared these waters with LRBOI commercial Trap Net fisheries. The meeting was held to promote safety, cooperation, communications and consideration for all boaters and fishers who use waters of Lake Michigan in the Ludington area. All parties to the meeting agreed that safety is the paramount issue.

In order to promote safety, it was agreed that additional marking on the tribal nets would be very helpful.  Regarding the safety and net marking issues, Lee Sprague, LRBOI Ogema issued the following statement: "We have started marking the nets above the requirements of law in an effort to increase the safety of all boaters in the area.  We are also dedicated to increase the public awareness of the buoy locations and meanings by working with Law enforcement officials, Sea Grant and local Charter Boat organizations and any other interested parties concerned.  We are looking forward to meaningful dialogue in an effort to see that all parties with rights in Lake Michigan waters have access."

It was also agreed that nets that were no longer in use should be removed. Sprague noted that efforts were underway to begin the removal of some nets.

LACA as well as the LRBOI licensed fishers are extremely concerned that sport fishers and recreational boater respect the increased markings on the nets. As a result, LACA has agreed to join the LRBOI in a public relations and information campaign to educate all sport fishers and recreation boaters about the importance of not tampering with or removing the net markers. “Not only is it a Federal offense, but removal of net marking devices compromises the safety of all fishermen and recreational boaters,” said Jim Fenner Pres. of LACA.

The LRBOI will report all net locations to the Association who in turn will make it available to the public through the Association website, and through postings at marinas and boat launch facilities in the area.

It was also agreed that any fishing gear recovered from LRBOI nets would be returned to its owner. Capt. Chuck's Great Outdoors, Inc. at 5734 W. U.S. 10 has agreed to be the recovery location for lost gear.

The parties agreed to meet again toward the end of the year to evaluate the success of the steps that are now being taken, and to look at data collected during the season.

Jim Fenner thanked Lee Sprague for the spirit of cooperation that he and other LRBOI representatives brought to the meeting and for the efforts that have already been made to mark the nets above and beyond the requirements of the current agreement.  He stressed that he was extremely pleased the outcome of the meeting and was greatly encouraged about the pledges from both sides for additional cooperation and communications.

For more information on trap nets, please visit Michigan Sea Grant's "Know Your Nets" website.