Tribal Rights to Natural Resources

The formal recognition of Native American rights to use of fish and wildlife resources, established during the 19th century, has become a key issue for resource management in Michigan. We have played an important technical role in the negotiations over fishing rights in Great Lakes waters, and will continue to contribute to the debate over use of inland wildlife and fishery resources.

Outreach related to tribal rights to natural resources:

  • Video on gill net fishing and Consent Decree requirements (Sea Grant Extension)
  • Extensive interaction with state and tribal biologists to apply (and train in the use of) stock assessment models
  • Technical advice to parties for negotiations for wildlife and inland fishery harvest