The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday the public is invited to purchase surplus salmon that has been harvested at Department of Natural Resources weirs around the state.
The DNR maintains multiple sites where fisheries biologists and technicians collect eggs and milt (sperm) from Chinook and coho salmon for use in state fish hatcheries. Fish in prime physical condition are made available to the public by American-Canadian Fisheries (ACF), a private vendor that assists the DNR with the salmon harvest.
The press release from the Michigan DNR says after the DNR’s egg needs are met, ACF harvests the salmon for human and pet-food markets, as well as excess eggs for the bait and caviar markets. ACF pays the DNR a flat per-pound rate for the salmon and eggs collected. ACF makes suitable-quality fish available wholesale to distributors who market the fish.
“We work closely with ACF to maintain a professional approach to dealing with the returning salmon and to ensure the harvest is done in the most environmentally friendly way,” said Ed Eisch, the DNR’s Northern Lower Peninsula hatchery manager. “The number of fish returning to our rivers is so large the DNR needs the assistance of private partners like ACF to help in this area of fishery management.”
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) recommends using caution when eating certain kinds and sizes of fish from Michigan lakes and streams. For current advisories, the Eat Safe Fish Guide should be consulted. It is available online at www.michigan.gov/eatsafefish or by contacting MDCH at 1-800-648-6942.
Here are the Michigan retailers selling salmon harvested at DNR weirs:
Andy’s Tackle Box
14573 Coates Hwy.
Brethren, MI 49619
231-477-5737
AuSable River Store
680 W. River Road
Oscoda, MI 48750
989-739-5332
Hank and Sons
16441 Coates Hwy.
Brethren, MI 49609
231-477-5450
Lixie’s Fish Market
2699 Lixie Beach
East Tawas, MI 48060
989-362-5791
Pappy’s Bait & Tackle
17092 Caberfae Hwy.
Wellston, MI 49689
231-848-4142
R & J Resort
3070 Keith Road
Brethren, MI 49619
231-477-5549
Tippy Dam Campground
17974 Old House Road
Wellston, MI 49689
231-848-4448
Wellman’s Bait & Tackle
410 S. State St. #309
Oscoda, MI 48750
989-739-2869
Does the state you live in have “fish consumption advisories?” Does that impact the amount of fish you consume? Please comment below.