DNR removes spotted gar from Acceptable Spearing Species List

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2012 

 

Contact: Christian LeSage, 517-373-1280 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014 

 

 

DNR removes spotted gar from Acceptable Spearing Species List

 

The Department of Natural Resources would like to remind anglers that spotted gar was removed from the Acceptable Spearing Species List for the 2012-2013 fishing season, which began April 1. Spearing for this species is not allowed anywhere in Michigan. 

 

Spotted gar are a state-listed species of special concern because of declining populations in the state. The special concern list is produced by the Endangered Species Program of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Natural Features Inventory. As a result, the DNR’s Fisheries Division recommended removing them from harvest with spearing gear while modifying statewide spearing regulations earlier this year.

 

By recognizing their special concern status, pressure can be lifted off spotted gar by not allowing them to be harvested throughout the state. Although spotted gar are common in some lakes in Southwest Michigan, they are rare in lakes throughout the rest of the state.

 

For additional information on spotted gar, read the abstract of their special concern status: http://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/abstracts/zoology/Lepisosteus_oculatus.pdf.

 

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.