Wednesday, Congressman Jack Bergman sent a letter to Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressing concerns about the 2023 Great Lakes Fishing Decree.

Approved by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan last year, the decree determines how state and tribal fisheries manage their catch.

Bergman’s main concern is the decree does not provide clear language or guidance to prevent overfishing between state and tribal organizations.

In his letter, Bergman said “I wholeheartedly recognize the importance of protecting Michigan Tribes’ access to commercial and subsistence fishing. However, there remain valid concerns and questions that must be addressed by the State of Michigan.”

Bergman said he primarily worries about communication between the state and the tribes, enforcement when a party overfishes and the use of gill nets. His letter said while tribes are permitted to use gill nets, the state holds a stance that the nets create excessive waste. Bergman also has concerns about communication between tribes and the state when it comes to data.

“It relied on self-policing and nothing preventing or punishing overfishing, so my question we asked in the letter was ‘what will the state do if a party consistently harvests above their agreed-upon limits?’” Bergman said.

TV6 reached out to the Bay Mills Indian Community. The tribe said because of active litigation involving the decree, they cannot provide comment at this time.

Bergman encourages anyone who is concerned or wants to learn more to reach out to your state legislator.

To read Bergman’s full letter, click here.