Commercial Fishery - Current
A.  Management Direction
•1960’s Michigan’s fishery policy shift
•1980’s Assertion of First Nation’s / Native American’s Treaty Rights - COTFMA (1979)
•  1984 Modernization of Ontario’s commercial Industry
Several changes have occurred in recent years which have had significant impact on commercial fishery.
First is change in the philosophy of management agencies.  1960’s state of Michigan began a shift in policy direction  towards tighter control of commercial fishery and greater emphasis on recreational fishery.  This meant removal of gillnets and restriction of fishing areas.
Second was Modernization of Ontario commercial fishery.  This meant introduction of ITQ’s, restriction of gear, fishing areas, and in some cases season closures.  Also reduction in size of fishing fleet.
Third was assertion of First Nations / Native American treaty rights to commercially fish.  Through court cases in both Michigan and Ontario jurisdictions, these rights were upheld in various forms.  In Michigan this brought about the creation of COTFMA/CORA for northern Michigan waters.  In Ontario this meant negotiated fishing agreements with several First Nations