Little Bay de Noc Fishing Reports

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2010


Contact: Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014


DNRE Examining Legal Options in Little Bay de Noc Gill Net Case

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment will seek other
legal options in the 2009 Little Bay de Noc gill net case.

In light of the U.S. Attorneys Office decision to not pursue
charges, we are continuing to explore our legal options regarding
potential violations of state law outside of the jurisdiction of the
2000 consent decree, said DNRE Director Rebecca Humphries.

In 2000, the United States, the state of Michigan, and five separate
Native American tribes in Michigan entered into a consent decree that
established an agreement between all the parties regarding allocation,
management, and regulation of fishing in 1836 Treaty waters.

DNRE conservation officers from the Commercial Fishing Enforcement Unit
and Delta County worked on the investigation into an alleged illegal
commercial fishing operation in Delta County. The investigation revealed
that as much as 22,000 pounds of fish may have been taken from the
Little Bay de Noc area in early 2009, and as much as 72,000 pounds of
fish between 2004 and 2009.

The DNRE is committed to conserve, manage, protect, and promote
accessible use and enjoyment of the state's environmental, natural
resource, and related economic interests for current and future
generations.