U.S. lawmakers in Congress are pushing legislation to renew the Great Lakes Fishery Research program, which provides funding for research that supports the sport and commercial fishing industry in the Great Lakes.
"The Great Lakes are the pride of the region and one of the finest natural wonders of the world, but their native species and ecosystems face complex challenges. To protect the Great Lakes from threats like invasive species and habitat degradation, Congress must reauthorize this program," U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-Illinois) said in a statement. "It's on us to preserve our natural resources for future generations. I'm proud to continue my support of the Great Lakes Science Center and their integral work to do just that."
Passed in 2019 under the first administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the program funds research conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Great Lakes Science Center.
The program funds “research supporting sustainable fisheries management, like identifying and combating invasive species like the Asian carp and sea lamprey, conducting surveys for sport fish management, and monitoring impacts of harmful algae blooms on fisheries researchers,” U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle (D-Oregon) said during a House Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries hearing 8 April.
The original legislation authorized USD 15 million (EUR 13.7 million) in funding for the program through fiscal year 2025 but will expire after that. Quigley’s legislation would extend the program at the same funding level through fiscal year 2030.
“This bill will strengthen our vital fisheries with the research and technology needed to continue benefiting the ecology of the Great Lakes and the small business economy of Southwest Michigan,” U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (D-Michigan) said in a statement.
According to the bill’s supporters, the Great Lakes fisheries provide more than USD 7 billion (EUR 6.4 billion) in annual economic value while supporting 75,000 jobs.
"History tells us that solid, scientific understanding of what is happening in the Great Lakes is essential to managing this multi-billion-dollar resource," Great Lakes Fishery Commission Chair Ethan Baker said in support of the bill. "Effective fishery management starts and ends with accurate data, which is why the Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act is the foundation for the decisions taken by state and Tribal fishery managers. The bipartisan authors and sponsors of this bill are Great Lakes champions, and I commend them for the work they are doing on behalf of everyone working and living in the Great Lakes Basin."
The bill has been backed by the Alliance for the Great Lakes, a conservation nonprofit focused on the Great Lakes region.
“The Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act will provide accurate data to protect complex and sensitive aquatic ecosystems. Healthy fish are good for the environment, and good for the businesses that rely on them,” Alliance for the Great Lakes Director of Federal Relations Don Jodrey said in a statement.
