Notice of Hearing
The Department of Natural Resources announces that it will hold a public hearing on a permanent rule, Board Order FH-10-20, to revise Chs. NR 20 and 25 relating to fish harvest in Lake Superior. In accordance with s. 227.17, Wis. Stats., the DNR is seeking public comment and feedback on FH-10-20 at the time and virtual location shown below. Hearing Information
Date: March 29, 2021
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Virtual Location Link: Online via Zoom link or by phone at 1-312-626-6799, meeting ID: 838 5662 1970 Rule Information:
Lake Superior offers a diverse fishery in which lake trout, cisco and lake whitefish are the three main commercial fish species. Recreational fishers and local charter and guide businesses also value these species as game fish, and frequently target lake trout and whitefish. Because commercial, recreational and subsistence fishers all depend on a sustainable Lake Superior fishery, harvest regulations must be analyzed and balanced using updated biological data and public input from the different stakeholder groups. Quotas and associated regulations for lake trout and cisco are updated every three years based on the most current biological data. This rule will update lake trout and cisco quotas and associated regulations for state commercial and sport fishers.
Accessibility
For the hearing or visually impaired, non-English speakers, or those with other personal circumstances which might make communication at the meeting/hearing difficult, DNR will, to the maximum extent possible and with reasonable advance notice, provide aids including an interpreter, or a non-English, large-print, or recorded version of hearing documents. To access these resources, please contact the email address or phone number listed below as soon as possible.
Appearances at the Hearing and Submittal of Written Comments
Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before March 29, 2021. Written comments may be submitted by U.S. mail, E-mail, or through the internet and will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearing. Written comments and any questions on the proposed rules should be submitted to:
Department of Natural Resources
Attn: Meredith Penthorn
P.O. Box 7921
101 S. Webster St.
Madison, WI 53707
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis:
This rule may have a moderate (from $50,000 to $5 million in total) economic impact on commercial fishing businesses. The methods in the rules for determining harvest restrictions are expected to allow the commercial fishing community to harvest at or near the current total average annual catch amount. However, because the individual quota allotment for cisco will decrease, some individual fishers that harvested their full allotment in the past few years may see a decrease in harvest and corresponding economic impacts under the reduced quota. Outside of the rules, market demand and fuel and other variable expenditures would have a greater economic impact on commercial fishing profits. This rule does not impose any compliance or reporting requirements, nor would any design or operational standards be contained in the rule. The rule does not allow for the potential to establish a reduced fine for small businesses, nor does it establish “alternative enforcement mechanisms” for “minor violations” of administrative rules made by small businesses. This rule will not affect public utility rate payers and local governmental units.
Agency Small Business Regulatory Coordinator:
Emma Esch (608) 266-1959
