Page 8 - Mid America Boating - July 2023 issue

Both the U.S. and Canadian sections agree Superior is actually bordered by seven
on what the problems are and are calling for including Canadian provinces. History
Great Lakes change. To date, the Commission has not shows cooperation has not always been high
JULY 2023 [ MID-AMERICA BOATING ] 8
convened for more than a year, and regular
on the agenda. Indeed, for decades each
programming for the Commission has not
jurisdiction managed its bordered portion of
Commission been set since November 2020. the lakes with little regard for any other juris-
“This situation is beyond troubling and,
dictions. The result was management chaos,

needs to be frankly, unacceptable,” assert the U.S. overfishing, habitat loss, and a great fishery
lawmakers. They acknowledge the Canadian
decline. In such a parochial atmosphere,
DFO have recently agreed to finally provide
cross-border cooperation was nonexistent.

active the necessary funding but for only 2023. says Michelle Burke, president of the Lake
“Fishing is critical to our boating industry,”
“We are concerned this not is indicative of
the permanent change that is necessary to Erie Marine Trades Association. “Upwards of
safeguard the Commission’s operations in 70 percent of all boats are used for fishing at

the long-term; DFO acted only after it was least some time. The excellent work of the

subject to significant and sustained pressure Commission is proven and necessary, and
from Members of Parliament.” we urge Canadian interests to again provide
Notably, at least two state jurisdictions consistent funding and leadership.”

border each of the five Great Lakes. Lake The lawmakers concluded: “As an ally
and a neighbor who jointly share
the binational responsibility to
protect these treasured waters, we
respectfully bring this matter to
your personal attention and hope
by Norm Schultz and support more than 75,000 jobs. you will address these concerns
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission was without delay.”
Calling it unacceptable, a group of U.S. established in 1955 by the Canadian/US The letter to prime Minster
lawmakers are urging Canadian prime minis- Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries. Its func- Trudeau was sent by the U.S.
ter Justin Trudeau to address a breakdown tion is to coordinate fisheries research and Congressional Great Lakes Task in

in funding and function of the long-standing facilitate cross-border fishery management the House, the co-chairs of which
Great Lakes Fishery Commission that coordi- programs among the states and provinces. include: Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH),

nates fisheries research, controls the invasive “It is our understanding,” the members Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Bill

sea lamprey and facilitates cooperative fish- of say, “this breakdown can be traced to Huizenga (R-MI), Lisa McClain
eries management. the Canadian Department of Fisheries (R-MI), Brian Higgins (D-NY),
Fishing is huge in all 8 Great Lakes states and Oceans (DFO) which is the institution Mike Gallagher (R-WI), and
and Canada. The 8 states alone combine responsible for Canada’s custodial obliga- Debbie Dingell (D-MI). It was also
for one-third of the U.S. boating industry’s tions to the Great Lakes Commission. We ask signed by 25 other members of

annual boat sales. Moreover, the recreational, you to find a long-term solution to resume the House. MAB

commercial and tribal fisheries are collective- normal operations, while also respecting
ly valued at more than $7.5 billion annually Canada’s sovereignty.”
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