Contact: Renee Ihlenfeldt
231-723-4325
Issued as a Community Service by the Alliance for Economic Success

For Immediate Release

MANISTEE AREA COMMERCIAL FISHING NET LOCATIONS AVAILABLE:
Group Effort Started in 2007 Continues for 2008 Season

Manistee, Michigan – Efforts have renewed for the 2008 fishing season to help Lake Michigan boaters in the vicinity of Manistee County know about the location of commercial fishing nets.

A group was formed in 2007 to encourage awareness and understanding of commercial fishing operations and develop solutions so that all interests in the Great Lakes fishery can co-exist in an environment that supports open communications. The group meets regularly to share information and identify ways to provide accurate information about commercial net locations, particularly to recreational anglers and charter boat operators who enjoy salmon and trout fisheries. The group includes representation from the Manistee Charter Boat Association, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, commercial fishing business operators, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Manistee County Sport Fishing Association, Manistee County Visitors and Convention Bureau, Ludington Charter Boat Association, Manistee Coast Guard, City of Manistee and Michigan Sea Grant. The Alliance for Economic Success facilitates meetings of the group.

Attached is a listing of the net locations that have been inventoried by both wardens of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. This information is also available by going to the web site of the Manistee Area Charter Boat Association at www.fishmanistee.com.

The information is also available from the Manistee-based Alliance for Economic Success on a two-sided net information card that will be distributed to boaters through area organizations. The card provides the GPS coordinates and a map showing the approximate location of nets. The City of Manistee also maintains a display sign showing net locations at the City’s First Street Boat Launch. In addition, a brochure produced by Michigan Sea Grant entitled “Don’t Get Trapped!” will also be distributed with the net information cards. Limited copies of the brochure are also available at the Alliance for Economic Success office and Manistee Convention and Visitors Bureau office.

All boaters are to be advised that these nets are now in a “transition” stage as we enter the 2008 fishing season and may not be properly marked. It is requested that boaters steer clear of net markings, allowing at least 1,200 feet for caution. The information about the location of nets are approximate GPS coordinates and new nets may be added or relocated prior to the availability and distribution of net location information. Net location information should not be used for navigation but rather as a general reference.

Net information cards are distributed to area marinas and businesses and at public locations, including the Manistee City Marina and First Street Boat Launch. Businesses or organizations that do not currently receive the cards for distribution may do so by contacting the Alliance for Economic Success at 231-723-4325 or betsy@allianceforeconomicsuccess.com.

Click here for net location information