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A federal judge  accepted a proposed consent decree  controlling five sovereign Michigan Tribes, the federal government and the state, overruling evidence that expanded gillnetting would negatively impact the Great Lakes.In handing down his order, Judge Paul Maloney rejected the Coalition to Protect Michigan Resource’s claim that biological harm is likely to happen to the resource and there will not be proper measures in place to mitigate that harm.Gillnetting in Michigan was banned by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources during the 1970s after research concluded gillnets are non-selective and have disastrous consequences for fishery populations. The Tribes asserted their treaty right to fish with gillnets, and after several court cases and injunctions, the first Great Lakes Consent Decree was adopted in 1985. CPMR members have served as amici through every iteration of the court litigation and negotiations since the late 1970s. President Tony Radjenovich said conservationists and anglers across the state should be concerned about this decision.“Expanded gillnetting now allowed in bays and other areas of the lakes that haven’t had them for more than 40 years will cause social and biological consequences to the fishery resource,” Radjenoivch said. “Our groups were trying to be proactive in protecting the Great Lakes fisheries by objecting to these measures being implemented through this decree; however, now we will have to remain even more vigilant to ensure our worst-case scenarios do not come to pass.”The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians did not consent to the decree. They are the only party to the case not to do so. During these negotiations, CPMR has acted as an amicus or friend to the court.Amy Trotter, chief executive officer of Michigan United Conservation Clubs and CPMR treasurer, said accountability and oversight will be key moving forward.“We have to focus on ensuring that the words on paper and the intent are followed through with and that all negative consequences are mitigated under the decree,” Trotter said. “Regardless of the words on paper, the Michigan DNR, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the five Tribes and stakeholders must strive to ensure no commercial activity or management decisions cause undue harm to the resource.”CPMR comprises Michigan United Conservation Clubs, the Michigan Charter Boat Association, the Michigan Salmon and Steelhead Fishermen’s Association and Hammond Bay Area Anglers, accompanied by an assortment of angling and conservation supporting members.

The Sault tribe didn't sign onto the decree and plans to fish anywhere, anytime and catch whatever they want. Wanna make any bets about how the woke MDNR or USFWS enforcement agencies will react?  As one old-timer commercial fisherman told me years ago - "If they hadn't shut us down, we'd have caught the last fish in Lake Superior in our nets."   

From what i gather,  this will decimate Grand Traverse bay, correct?  What other areas will be impacted the most?

The ones that were alive and involved in the tribes in the 1980's are now dead or in their 70's at the youngest. Those Indians had a vocation/calling for fishing. Their offspring don't have same. There were no legal casinos in Great Lakes in 1980's. This has been going on so long the stakes have changed. If this ruling stands on appeal the tribes will be willing to settle/trade for something that is more to their goal/liking. With all the money involved fishing/licenses/bait tackle/boats, fuel, charters, tournaments/derbys/charities. There will be negotiating. what that will yield have no f**king idea. Put your foot in every politicians ass until your knee isn't visible.

I've heard no reports of anyone wanting to appeal the ruling. The USFWS and Michigan government are so woke they think anything that penalizes the white priviledged class is progress. I was in Pentwater last week and they are furious up there. The ruling exempted an area from just south of Ludington to just north of Manistee during the summer months because of the #s of recreational boats. What's that going to do? Push the tribal netters south from that area to the Pentwater area. You are right, Traverse Bays are likely to be ravished. 
 

That's an absolute crying shame.....
can't believe they ruled in favor of this. 

HELL YES!

Its UNBELIEVABLE!