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 for mass marking hatchery-produced fish in the Great Lakes basin. The goal is to improve fisheries management and understand the effectiveness of hatchery operations. The program will involve collaboration with federal, state, and tribal agencies.
Expected Effects
This act will lead to better data collection and analysis regarding fish populations in the Great Lakes. This data will inform decisions about fish stocking rates and habitat restoration. Ultimately, the aim is to support both native species recovery and recreational/commercial fishing.
Potential Benefits
- Improved understanding of fish populations in the Great Lakes.
- More effective fisheries management decisions.
- Support for native fish species recovery.
- Enhanced recreational and commercial fishing opportunities.
- Better data for evaluating habitat restoration efforts.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending (although capped at $2.7 million per year).
- Possible disruption to existing fishing practices during the initial implementation phase.
- Risk of unforeseen ecological consequences from altered fish stocking strategies.
- Dependence on continued funding and collaboration among multiple agencies.
- Potential for data collection biases if not implemented carefully.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Preamble) by promoting the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem and supporting economic activities related to fishing. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 (Commerce Clause) could also be invoked as the Great Lakes support interstate commerce. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).