Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends fishing regulations.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the department to take fish or issue permits for others to take fish from waters subject to this part, in any way, during any season of the year, for scientific investigation, fishery assessment, fishery utilization, fishery management, or fish culture (Sec. 47304).

• Authorizes the department to seize fish harvested by any commercial fisher for the purpose of scientific investigation, fishery assessment, fishery utilization, fishery management, or fish culture (Sec. 47304).

• Prohibits the department from issuing a permit to a commercial fisher that authorizes the taking and sale of game fish (Sec. 47305).

• Authorizes the department to limit the number of commercial fishing licenses to be issued and determine the qualifications of license eligibility when deemed necessary for the better protection, preservation, management, harvesting, and utilization of a fishery in waters subject to this part, with the exception of a commercial fisher licensed on December 31, 2019, which will have the right to renew every year (Sec. 47306).

• Specifies that eligibility for a commercial fishing license requires having been issued a commercial fishing license for the preceding year or having been legally transferred the ownership of a commercial fishing license in Michigan issued for the preceding year (Sec. 47306).

• Specifies that a commercial fishing license is transferable only with the approval of the department (Sec. 47308).

• Specifies that House Bill 4568 and House Bill 4569 must be passed in order for the enactment of this bill (Sec. 47308).

Full Bill Text