MI HB5880

Defines "large watercraft" as vessels exceeding 700 feet in length and establishes geographic boundaries for the Straits of Mackinac regulation area.

Prohibits operators of large watercraft from deploying anchors, chains, cables, or other equipment that may contact the lake bottom in the Straits of Mackinac, with an exception for vessels exercising tribal usufructuary rights under the 1836 Treaty of Washington.

Violations of the anchor prohibition are felonies punishable by imprisonment up to 4 years or fines up to $10,000, plus court-ordered reimbursement for environmental cleanup costs and natural resource damages.

Requires large watercraft to be guided by approved maritime pilots through the Straits of Mackinac, with pilots consulting the Department of Natural Resources to design safe routes tailored to vessel characteristics and weather conditions; violations are felonies punishable by up to 4 years imprisonment or $5,000 fines.

Mandates the Department of Natural Resources to place and maintain navigation buoys and beacons in the Straits of Mackinac, with private obstruction owners required to mark obstructions within 90 days; violations subject to civil fines up to $5,000.