Contact: Tim Ervin
231-723-4325

For Immediate Release

COOPERATIVE EFFORT AGAIN UNDERWAY TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT COMMERCIAL FISHING NET LOCATIONS

Manistee, Michigan – A cooperative effort involving several organizations is again underway to help recreational anglers and other Lake Michigan boaters near Manistee County know the location of commercial fishing nets during the 2009 season.

Enforcement personnel of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, with support from their counterparts at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, are again conducting periodic surveillance of Lake Michigan waters to confirm the location of commercial fishing nets.    Generally, the surveillance provides the coordinates for three markers that are required for each trap net, including the pot staff, king staff and inside lead staff.

That information along with a map showing the general location of nets, is now available through such sources as:

● Online, at the website of the Manistee Area Charter Boat Association at  www.fishmanistee.com

● In hard copy, through two-sided “Net Cards” distributed as a courtesy to the Manistee County community by the Manistee-based Alliance for Economic Success (AES) to the Manistee Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, area fishing and tackle shops, the City of Manistee’s Municipal Marina, area commercial marinas and others. The AES can be contacted at info@allianceforeconomicsuccess.com or 231-723-4325.

The location of commercial fishing nets is also updated on a large map at the City of Manistee’s municipal launch facility on First Street.

Attached to this news release is the most up-to-date net location information.

Boaters are reminded to not tamper with net markings. It violates the law and puts others at risk. Boaters are advised to steer clear of the nets and known net locations. If anglers become entangled in a net, cut the fishing line and do not disturb the net markers. Anyone witnessing tampering with a commercial fishing net or any net-related incident, including missing net markers, should be reported to the DNR’s Report All Poaching Hotline at 1-800-292-7800. Boaters are also advised to be on the lookout for nets and other hazards while on the water. New nets are set and others relocated prior to the coordinates being confirmed and posted. Net location information should not be used for navigation but as a general reference of reported net locations.

The Port of Manistee provides excellent access and opportunities for both recreational and commercial fishing activities.

Click here for a printable version of this news release.

Click here for a Net Location Information Flyer.