MUCC Supported Commercial Fishing Legislation Introduced in Michigan House

Justin Tomei • March 21, 2024

On March 6, Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw) introduced a stakeholder-backed modernization of Michigan’s commercial fishing statute. 

House Bill 5553 , written over the past several months in partnership with MUCC, would modernize archaic regulations in the state’s commercial fishing statute, and keep gamefish out of commercial nets.

Michigan’s commercial fishing statute is decades old and an update is long overdue to protect the pristine Great Lakes fishery, said Amos O’Neal.

“Michigan is so beautiful with its lakes and streams, and one of my favorite pastimes in the summer is to fish,” said Rep. O’Neal. “I am proud to introduce a bill to modernize the state’s commercial fishing industry. House Bill 5553 makes a change to commercial fishing that has not taken place in over 50 years. These protections are long past due.”

According to MUCC Policy and Government Affairs Manager Justin Tomei, the current commercial fishing statute needs to be revised protecting the investment licensed anglers have made in the management of our sportfish.

“Currently we operate with an abhorrent patchwork of rules and regulations, many of them have not been updated since the 1970s,” said Tomei. “We must modernize this industry, create a single regulatory framework in statute, and keep gamefish out of commercial nets, protecting the investment licensed anglers have made managing and rearing these fish.”

The bill has been assigned to the House Committee on Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation. 

HB 5553 starkly contrasts HB 5108, introduced by Rep. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) last fall.  HB 5108 sets minimum quotas for gamefish to be caught by state-licensed commercial anglers, commercializing a resource held in the public trust.

MUCC opposes HB 5108 and started a call to action resulting in 85,000 emails being sent to legislative offices in opposition to the commercialization of Michigan’s game fish.

MUCC supports HB 5553 and looks forward to working with legislators to secure passage in 2024. 

To ensure our natural resources remain protected and managed thoughtfully and our outdoor heritage defended, join Michigan United Conservation Clubs today: http://bit.ly/JoinMUCC .   

 

 

Recent Posts

On the Ground: Clean Up at Yates Park

By Olivia Triltsch • April 23, 2026
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, MUCC’s OTG program partnered with the Clinton River Watershed Council and Metro-West Steelheaders to host the annual Clinton River clean-up at Yates Park. Volunteers removed about 270 pounds of trash from the riverbanks and the surrounding watershed. Approximately 80.3 acres of fish and wildlife habitat were directly impacted by this project, in addition to improving local outdoor recreational opportunities. Cleaning up the watershed is critical for ensuring safe drinking water, safe recreation, and a clean habitat for fish and wildlife alike.

OTG Volunteers Needed in Crawford County Tree Plantings

By Olivia Triltsch • April 16, 2026
MUCC’s On the Ground (OTG) will be in the northern lower peninsula in late spring to improve habitat for wildlife. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, April 25th, from 8 AM to 12 PM and Saturday, May 3rd, from 9 AM to 2 PM to plant trees across Crawford County. These projects will take place rain or shine, except in the event of severe weather, so please dress accordingly. All registered volunteers will receive lunch and a free appreciation gift for their efforts.

White Oaks vs Red Oaks: Why Does It Matter?

By Olivia Triltsch • April 9, 2026
Oaks are a critical tree species for wildlife in Michigan as they provide food, cover, and long-term habitat in forests, field edges, and public lands. Both red oaks and white oaks are native to Michigan, but there are differences in management between the species, making an impact on conservation and hunting success. The growth patterns are important to understand when planning for land management due to variation in growth, acorn production (mast), and wildlife use.
More Posts