The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at improving fishery management and conservation in the Great Lakes region.

The legislation, introduced by U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), and Bill Huizenga (R-MI), would direct the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to collaborate with state and tribal agencies to implement mass marking of hatchery-raised fish across the Great Lakes.

“From Lake Michigan to Lake Erie, our fisheries are a cornerstone of our way of life,” said Rep. Walberg. “This bill ensures we have the tools and data necessary to preserve these resources for generations.”

Mass marking involves tagging large numbers of hatchery fish to distinguish them from wild populations. Currently, only about 41% of hatchery-raised fish in the region are marked.

“This bill provides the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with the tools to mark every hatchery fish in the Great Lakes,” said Rep. Dingell. “It will help fishery managers collect timely, valuable data to improve the efficiency of operations and long-term management strategies.”

Rep. Huizenga noted the economic and recreational importance of the bill, highlighting the impact on small businesses and Michigan families.

“This bipartisan initiative is a win for both the economy and the ecology of the Great Lakes,” he said.

The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.