MI SB0251

Modifies commercial fishing net mesh size regulations for various fish species in the Great Lakes (Michigan, Superior, Huron, and Erie) and their bays within Michigan jurisdiction.

Establishes specific mesh size requirements for gill nets, pound nets, trap nets, and seines depending on target species, with gill nets requiring 4-1/2 inches for whitefish and lake trout, and smaller meshes (1-1/2 to 3 inches) for herring, chubs, perch, and smelt.

Specifies depth restrictions for pound and trap nets, with maximum depths of 80 feet for pound nets and 50-150 feet for trap nets depending on the lake and fish species targeted.

Updates closed seasons for commercial harvest of lake trout, whitefish, pike-perch, perch, white bass, suckers, and black crappie, with specific date ranges varying by species and lake location.

Permits the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to take fish year-round without seasonal restrictions for fish culture and scientific investigation purposes, and to sell harvested fish with proceeds dedicated to hatchery operations.