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U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Bill Huizenga (MI-04), co-chairs of the Great Lakes Task Force, and Tim Walberg (MI-05), member of the Great Lakes Task Force, today reintroduced the Great Lakes Mass Marking Act.  

This legislation would mass mark all hatchery-produced fish. Currently, the United States tags only 9 to 11 million of the 21 million fish stocked each year. By marking all hatchery fish, mass marking will improve data collection, enabling better analysis of the health of wild fish stocks. This would provide valuable insights to help develop a science-based, collaborative fishery management program. With the Great Lakes fishing economy valued at around $7 billion, this data-driven approach could significantly enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of hatchery operations and fisheries management. 

“Mass marking is the practice of tagging large numbers of hatchery-raised fish so we can easily distinguish them from the wild fish population. The implementation of this practice will help us better understand the fish populations of our Great Lakes and the cultural, economic, recreational, and food benefits they provide. Currently, we only mark 41 percent of hatchery fish,” said Rep. Dingell. “This bill provides the tools needed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to implement a mass marking program for every hatchery fish in the Great Lakes region, which will allow fishery managers to collect valuable, timely information, ultimately improving the effectiveness and efficiency of hatchery operations and fishery management.” 

“For anglers like myself, it should come as no surprise that recreational fishing in Michigan alone generates $3.9 billion for our economy. A Great Lakes Mass Marking Program would propel the economy and ecology of the Great Lakes even further— ensuring our incredible fisheries are better able to enhance the environmental, scientific, economic, and recreational benefits of healthy fish populations,” said Rep. Huizenga. 

"The Great Lakes boast diverse wildlife and sustain a thriving $7 billion fishing industry," said Rep. Walberg. "Large-scale fish marking allows us to better track migratory patterns and population changes and improve conservation practices. By implementing the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program, we are ensuring that we have the tools to better understand and protect the long-term health of our fisheries." 

See the full bill text here.