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Several changes
have occurred in recent years which have had significant impact on commercial
fishery.
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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.
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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.
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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
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