No federal regulations apply. None of the rule proposals violate or conflict with federal regulations.
8. Anticipated economic impact of implementing the rule (note if the rule is likely to have an economic impact on small businesses):
The rule will impact the harvest of lake whitefish by commercial fishers, and exact economic impacts are likely to vary among commercial fishers. Because of the shift in distribution and overall decline in lake whitefish populations, some commercial fishers could have a reduction in their individual harvest quotas or percentage of the harvest while others have an increase. Certain areas or the whole fishery may be further restricted by season and methods. However, the overall economic impact may be positive for the commercial industry because the rule would allow for more efficient harvest to make full use of the available lake whitefish commercial stocks.
The rule may also have a minimal economic impact on sport anglers, guides and charter businesses, especially if commercial fishers shift part of their harvest effort to Green Bay. This could affect the density and distribution of sport anglers in Green Bay, including those that are targeting game fish other than whitefish. However, fishing may also improve in areas where commercial fishing is lessened due to revised quota allocations.
The rule changes are necessary in order to ensure a sustainable lake whitefish fishery over the long-term and to better allow commercial fishers to harvest the total allowable commercial catch for whitefish. The rule may have a moderate economic impact in the Lake Michigan region, but an exact amount of impact is unknown at this time. The department will conduct an economic impact analysis to gather comments from any individuals, businesses, local governments, or other entities that expect to be affected economically by the rule change. In addition, the department will seek advice from the Lake Michigan Commercial Fishing Board when developing the rule.
The rule may also revise commercial harvest reporting requirements for Lake Superior, Lake Michigan or both. Transitioning to full implementation of the electronic reporting system for all commercial fishers may have a minimal impact since some commercial fishers would need to obtain a computer or cell phone to enter reporting information electronically.
The proposed rule would likely not contain any design or operational standards.
9. Anticipated number, month and locations of public hearings:
The department anticipates holding two public hearings in the month of July 2020. Hearing cities will be: Cleveland, WI and Green Bay, WI.
The department will hold this hearing in these locations to obtain public input on the rule from Lake Michigan-area commercial and sport fishers.
Contact Person: Brad Eggold, Great Lakes district fisheries supervisor, 414-303-0138; Meredith Penthorn, policy specialist, 608-316-0080
Preston D. Cole, Secretary
Date Submitted
