Department of Natural Resources
Attn: Meredith Penthorn
P.O. Box 7921
101 S. Webster Street,
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis: The rule may 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 in Lake Michigan, 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 fishing industry because the rule would allow for more efficient harvest to make full use of the available lake whitefish commercial stocks.
The rule may have a minimal economic impact on sport anglers, guides and charter businesses, especially if commercial fishers shift part of their harvest effort to different areas of 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 minimum 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.
Agency Small Business Regulatory Coordinator:
Emma Esch (608) 266-1959
Dated at Madison, Wisconsin _____________________________________
STATE OF WISCONSIN
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
By ____________________________________
Preston D. Cole, Secretary
Rev. 03/20/19
