Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act of 2025
Summary
The Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act of 2025 aims to establish a program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for mass marking hatchery-produced fish in the Great Lakes basin. This program intends to improve fisheries management and support the Great Lakes ecosystem. The Act authorizes appropriations of $2,700,000 annually from 2026 through 2030 to carry out the program.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to better data collection and analysis regarding fish populations in the Great Lakes. This will enable more informed decisions about fish stocking, habitat restoration, and overall fisheries management. The collaborative nature of the program should also foster better coordination among federal, state, and tribal agencies.
Potential Benefits
- Improved understanding of fish populations in the Great Lakes.
- More effective fisheries management decisions.
- Enhanced collaboration among federal, state, and tribal agencies.
- Support for native species recovery and recreational/commercial fishing.
- Potential economic benefits through improved fisheries.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending.
- Possible disruption to existing fishing practices.
- Risk of unforeseen ecological consequences from mass marking.
- Dependence on continued funding for program success.
- Potential for data collection biases or inaccuracies.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the U.S. Constitution, as it aims to promote the economic and ecological well-being of the Great Lakes region. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce, and the Great Lakes certainly affect interstate commerce. There is no obvious infringement of individual rights or liberties.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).