Husted co-leads bills to bolster Great Lakes fisheries

WASHINGTON - Sens. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) today introduced the Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act and the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act.

The Great Lakes Fishery Research Program will expire at the end of September 2025. The Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act would reauthorize the program for another five years through FY 2030. The research program provided the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Great Lakes Science Center with dedicated funding to conduct critical research with direct impact on the multi-billion-dollar commercial fishing industry in the Great Lakes.

"Fishing is an important part of Ohio's culture and economy. We are blessed to be home to some of the world's most beautiful lakes. Rich ecology and proper wildlife management help keep our lakes healthy. We cannot afford to sacrifice what the Great Lakes Fishery Research Program brings to the table. I'm proud to introduce a bill to protect this program and the fisheries that remain critical to Ohio," said Husted.

"The Great Lakes are essential to Michigan's economy and way of life, and our fisheries play a big role in that. That's why I'm proud to lead these bipartisan bills to support the folks who protect our Great Lakes ecosystem and fish populations, while boosting Michigan's robust fishing industry," said Peters.

The Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act would codify the program for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to carry it out. Under the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program, USFWS tags and marks hatchery-produced fish across the Great Lakes Basin for evaluation of their performance in the wild or their effects on the ecosystem.

"By replacing the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program funds from the EPA's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative with annual funding, Congress can free up tax dollars for individual restoration projects without sacrificing the essential work our hatcheries do. The Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act would protect Ohio's natural resources and the livelihoods of our fishermen. Fishermen and families depend on the Great Lakes being a quality fishery for fun, sustenance and enjoyment. In turn, Ohio's Great Lake communities benefit economically from the recreational dollars visitors spend in our state. I'm grateful to join Sen. Peters on two bills that would reauthorize the Great Lakes' fishery research and management centers, protect our wildlife and support Ohio's fishing industry," said Husted.

These bills build on Husted's work as the only Republican member of the Committee on Environment and Public Works representing a Great Lakes state. The committee is responsible for legislation and oversight of the natural and built environment and for studying matters concerning environmental protection and resource conservation and utilization. Husted will continue to support economic development and resilient communities across Ohio.

Full texts of the bills are available here and here.