Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act of 2025
Summary
The Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act of 2025 establishes a program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to mass mark hatchery-produced fish in the Great Lakes basin. This program aims to improve fisheries management by providing data on hatchery effectiveness and the impact of management actions. The Act authorizes appropriations of $2,700,000 annually from 2026 through 2030 to support the program.
Expected Effects
The Act will lead to better data collection and analysis regarding fish populations in the Great Lakes. This will inform decisions about fish stocking rates, habitat restoration, and overall fisheries management. Ultimately, the program seeks to balance hatchery-produced fish with wild fish and improve the economic status of recreational and commercial fisheries.
Potential Benefits
- Improved understanding of fish populations in the Great Lakes.
- More effective fisheries management decisions.
- Support for native species recovery.
- Potential for increased recreational and commercial fishing opportunities.
- Enhanced collaboration among federal, state, and tribal agencies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for unintended consequences from mass marking.
- Possible disruption to existing ecosystems.
- Financial burden on taxpayers through appropriated funds.
- Limited scope, focusing solely on hatchery-produced fish.
- Potential for data collection bias or inaccuracies.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Preamble) by promoting the economic and ecological health of the Great Lakes, a valuable national resource. Congress's authority to enact this legislation stems from its power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8), given the Great Lakes' significance for trade and transportation among multiple states and Canada. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional limitations or individual rights.
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).