This bill establishes a formal Great Lakes Mass Marking Program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to track hatchery-produced fish released into the Great Lakes. The program would use automated technology to tag approximately 9 to 11 million fish annually, helping managers understand how hatchery fish interact with wild fish populations and whether management actions are effective. The bill affects federal, state, and tribal fish management agencies across eight Great Lakes states and Indian tribes in those states, as well as recreational and commercial fishing operations that depend on the Great Lakes economy, which is valued at over $7 billion. The legislation authorizes $5 million per year from 2025 through 2029 for equipment, personnel, and operations. This collaborative effort aims to improve fishery management decisions and support the recovery of native fish species while maintaining the recreational and commercial fishing industries.
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