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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 17, 2015
Contact: Aaron Switzer, 231-325-4611 ext. 15 or Elyse Walter, 517-284-5839
DNR announces surplus salmon available to public again this fall
 The public again this year is invited to purchase surplus salmon that has been harvested at Michigan Department of Natural Resources weirs around the state.
Seasonal salmon runs include large numbers of fish returning to their native streams to spawn and die. The DNR maintains multiple sites (weirs) where fisheries biologists and technicians collect eggs and milt (sperm) from Chinook and coho salmon for use in state fish hatcheries. Once egg-take needs are met, fish in prime physical condition are made available to the public by American-Canadian Fisheries, a private vendor that assists the DNR with the salmon harvest.
The vendor harvests the salmon for human- and pet-food markets, as well as excess eggs for bait and caviar markets, and pays the DNR a flat per-pound rate for the salmon and eggs collected. They then make 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 ensure the harvest is done in the most environmentally friendly way," said Aaron Switzer, the DNR’s northern Lower Peninsula hatchery manager. "The number of fish returning to our rivers is large enough that the DNR needs the assistance of private partners like ACF to help in this area of fishery management."
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommends 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 michigan.gov/eatsafefish or by contacting the department at 1-800-648-6942.
Michigan retailers selling salmon harvested at DNR weirs:
- Andy’s Tackle Box
14573 Coates Highway
Brethren, MI 49619
231-477-5737
- AuSable River Store
680 W. River Road
Oscoda, MI 48750
989-739-5332
- Hank and Sons
16441 Coates Highway
Brethren, MI 49619
231-477-5450
- Lixie’s Fish Market
2699 Lixie Beach
East Tawas, MI 48060
989-362-5791
- 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
/Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Suggested caption follows:
Retail locations throughout the northern Lower Peninsula will offer surplus salmon (like the Chinook salmon pictured here) for purchase this fall, following their harvest by the DNR./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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