8/1/2007

Public hearing set on yellow perch harvest in Green Bay

MADISON -- Commercial fishers of yellow perch in Green Bay could be looking forward to larger harvest limits in 2008. A rule change allowing the increased harvest will be the topic of Aug. 13 public hearings in Green Bay and Peshtigo.

The public will have the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed rule, which would increase the total allowable commercial harvest of yellow perch in Green Bay (zone 1), from 60,000 pounds to 100,000 pounds.

“After a decade or so of the numbers of yellow perch declining, we’ve had a good run of excellent reproduction,” says Bill Horns, a Department of Natural Resources Great Lakes fisheries specialist. “The fish are growing and thriving, which means we can allocate more to our loyal fishermen.”

A 90 percent decrease in yellow perch between 1988 and 2000 was the result of poor reproduction, mostly due to weather and biological factors such as predators and an increase in zebra mussels, white perch, gobies and cormorants.

Because commercial and recreational harvests can further deplete a population and inhibit recovery when numbers are low, the DNR reduced sport bag and commercial harvest limits on Green Bay in 2001, Horns says. The daily sport fishing bag limit was reduced from 25 to 10 and the total allowable annual commercial harvest limit was reduced from 200,000 pounds to 20,000 pounds.

These measures paid off in 2006, when survey results showed improved survival rates and strong year-classes, and allowed sport limits to increase to 15 from 10 and commercial harvest limits to increase to 60,000 pounds, partially returning to levels in the waning years of the 20th century.

In 2006, the total recreational harvest exceeded 200,000 pounds and the commercial harvest totaled 90,000 pounds. Similar results are expected for 2007. In the attempt to split the allowable harvest equally between sport and commercial fishers, the DNR is recommending an increase in the total allowable commercial harvest from 60,000 to 100,000 pounds, which would take effect in 2008. Because recreational harvests have already been increasing significantly under the existing rules, no changes are being proposed to the sport fishing regulations.

Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted until Aug. 23, 2007, via U.S. mail to Bill Horns, Bureau of Fisheries Management, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707 or by e-mail to bill.horns@wisconsin.gov.

Written comments, whether submitted electronically or by U.S. mail, will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearings. For information call Bill Horns at (608) 266-8782. The hearings will all be held on Monday, August 13, 2007 at the following locations and times listed:

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Horns – (608) 266-8782