Here are the key contacts and departments you need to file with:
1. Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
The DNR manages commercial fishing licenses for wild-caught fish in the Great Lakes.
- Purpose: Required for commercial fishing, wholesale fish dealer licenses, and transport permits.
- Commercial Fishing Contact: * Phone: 517-284-5830
- Email: DNR-Fisheries@michigan.gov
- Wholesale Licensing Support: * Phone: 517-284-6057
- Website: FACTS Michigan Fisheries (for online wholesale applications).
2. Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD)
If you are raising fish in a controlled environment (ponds, tanks, raceways), this is your primary regulatory body.
- Purpose: Required for Aquaculture Facility Registration and health certifications for transporting live fish.
- Aquaculture Program Manager: Steve Hussey
- Phone: 517-284-5685
- Email: husseys@michigan.gov
- General MDARD Inquiries: * Phone: 800-292-3939
3. Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
EGLE handles the environmental permits, particularly regarding water usage and waste discharge.
- Purpose: Required if your fishery involves construction near water (Joint Permit Application) or if you are discharging water from an aquaculture facility (NPDES permits).
- Water Resources Division: * Phone: 800-662-9278 (Environmental Assistance Center)
- Permit Application Help: EGLE MiEnviro Portal
Summary Checklist for Filing
| License/Permit Type | Issuing Department | Best Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Fishing | DNR (Fisheries Division) | 517-284-5830 |
| Aquaculture Registration | MDARD (Animal Industry) | 517-284-5685 |
| Wholesale Fish Dealer | DNR (Law Enforcement) | 517-284-6000 |
| Water Discharge/Construction | EGLE (Water Resources) | 800-662-9278 |
Professional Tip
Before you file, I recommend reaching out to Michigan Sea Grant (at Michigan State University). They offer specialized business development resources specifically for Michigan fisheries and can help you navigate the overlapping state regulations.
- Contact: 517-353-9723 or msginfo@umich.edu.
Would you like me to draft a summary of the specific “Aquaculture Facility Registration” requirements for you?