The handbook introduces you to Michigan laws governing boating and provides general information about safe vessel operation. New boating and fishing laws take effect March 21. I have been boating about 40 yrs now and only launched two times without putting the plug in. A person who collects fish should not use them as bait or cut bait except in the inland stream, lake, or Great Lake where the fish was caught, or in a connecting waterway where the fish was caught. Any baitfish collected by anglers may only be released in the waters where they were originally caught. Inspect equipment such as dock lines, storage compartments, anchors, and motor intakes, Senior Annual (Residents 65 or older or Residents who are legally blind) — $11. May not operate a boat powered by a motor of more t… Online courses are available on boat-ed.com and boaterexam.com for under $30. Study after study finds that life jackets are one of the most important influencers in boating-related deaths, and can decrease fatality rates by as much as 80%. Removing all drain plugs from bilges, ballast tanks, and live wells. New Michigan boating & fishing laws take effect March 21: What to know. The DNR also offers safety education classes. DNR communications specialist Elyse Walter said the reason for the new laws is to "protect against non-native species. Michigan law states that a person will be found guilty of reckless boat operation if they carelessly, or heedlessly operate a boat, manipulate waterskis, a surfboard or other similar device, with disregard for the rights or safety of others, without due caution, or at a rate of speed or in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger a person or personal property. Have been issued a boating safety certificate and have it on board the boat and… 2. 3. Here are some simple rules of thumb to help boaters and anglers navigate these laws: And remember when practicing catch-and-release fishing, return the fish to the water where it was caught. A person who is catching and releasing fish should release the fish back into the same water or in a connecting body of water the fish could have reached on its own. Draining all water from any live wells and bilges. Most importantly, the rules make it illegal to dump any baitfish, like minnows, wigglers and crayfish, in any Michigan water. A person who catches fish other than baitfish in a lake, stream, Great Lake, or connecting waterway shall only release the fish in the lake, stream, or Great Lake where the fish was caught, or in a connecting waterway of the lake, stream, or Great Lake where the fish was caught if the fish could freely move between the original location of capture and the location of release. ORIGINAL STORY: The law requires Michigan boaters and anglers to be careful not to spread invasive species or introduce a new species to an area which may cause a disease. May operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 6 hp but no more than 35 hp legally only if they: 1. Skiiers, tubers, and anyone else being pulled behind a boat are required to wear their life … Boating and Alcohol: The Laws. With over 1,300 public boating access locations, Michigan offers plenty of opportunities for boating adventures throughout the state. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources provides equal opportunities for employ-ment and access to Michigan’s natural resources. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently added new regulations to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. A personal watercraft shall not be operated at speeds in excess of (55 mph) except where otherwise posted. Call the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at 517-373-1230 Register a Boat in Michigan. If your entertainment-time plans encompass boating or fishing, recent adjustments in Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) can Fly fishing in Michigan: What anglers need to know, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Gretchen Whitmer’s new order was released as Michigan legislators returned to Lansing for their first session since April 7. A more recent invader, the tiny New Zealand mudsnail, can hitchhike from river to river when mud or debris is left on kayaks, canoes and gear. Draining boats and cleaning trailers can limit the spread of zebra and quagga mussels, which are common in some inland lakes. Date Posted: 2019-03-19 Source: Click On Detroit. Beginning March 21, watercraft users in the state are required to take steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. “Plants like Eurasian watermilfoil or starry stonewort can travel from lake to lake on boats and trailers. If your leisure-time plans include boating or fishing, recent changes in Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) may affect you. Most importantly, the rules make it illegal to dump any baitfish, like minnows, wigglers and crayfish, in any Michigan water. DRAIN live wells, bilges and all water – pull all drain plugs. New Michigan boating and fishing laws take effect: What to know ... A short video from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality shows the steps boaters can take to comply with the new law. When it comes to boating this spring and summer, it's all about keeping a clean vessel. Region: Chesapeake Bay Date Reported: Reported By: Source: Click On Detroit . The last boating law we are reviewing today is another law that was included in most violated boating laws on Lake Michigan and it’s not having to vessel registered. 8. Boating Age Requirements. A person who was born after December 31, 1978 shall not operate a PWC on Michigan waters unless they have obtained a boating safety certificate. Ensure that the watercraft, trailer, and any conveyance used to transport the watercraft or trailer are free of any aquatic organisms, including plants. Boating in Michigan, cast a line in the water, strap on the water skis or just set sail and relax because Michigan’s waters offer a boating adventure that you'll be talking about long after you've returned to the dock. Additionally, check out the video below from Michigan … New Requirements for Michigan Boaters and Anglers to Prevent the Introduction and Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (Act 451 of 1994) Part 413 has recently been amended with changes for boaters and anglers that take effect March 21 st , 2019. In Michigan, no one may operate a motor-powered vessel over 6 hp if they are under the age of 12 years, except under the following condition: The motor-powered vessel is greater than 6 hp but no more than 35 hp and they are under the direct supervision of a responsible individual who is at least 16 years of age; For anglers this fishing season, the new rules all revolve around bait. Remove all drain plugs from ballast tanks, live wells and bilges. As the boat owner, you are required by law to have one life jacket per person aboard your boat at all times. For those who not interested in catching baitfish, maybe try smallmouth bass or northern pike, which is popular in fly fishing. New Michigan Boating and Fishing Laws Posted on March 22, 2019 by Editor • 0 Comments This is a great summary of the new boating and fishing laws that went into effect March 21, 2019. For holiday revelers who take to the water while drinking alcohol, marine officers warn that this year brings a stricter law in Michigan regarding what constitutes drunken boating. When you are boating on the water of Michigan, you can expect that the Michigan laws will be enforced by officers of the Law Enforcement Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the County Sheriff’s Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, and any other authorized law enforcement agency. Ensuring the watercraft, trailer, and any conveyance used to transport the watercraft or trailer are free of aquatic organisms, including plants. Minimum wage, sports betting, and cheaper car insurance -- here's a rundown of the new laws … Michigan's New Boating, Fishing Laws Take Effect March 21 Photo credit (Photo by Paul A. Smith/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/MCT/Sipa USA) By WWJ Newsradio 950. Unused baitfish, whether it was collected or purchased, must be disposed of on land or in the garbage. Remember, safety on Michigan waterways is the responsibility of all boaters. Boaters and anglers itching to get to their favorite river or Great Lake this spring will have to be more cautious when it comes to aquatic plants and capturing fish this year. Those who were born before July 1, 1996 can operate a vessel without restrictions and anyone born before Dec. 31, 1978 can legally use a personal watercraft. For anglers, NREPA amendments codify the Michigan DNR’s Fisheries Order 245 regarding the release of baitfish, collection and use of baitfish and cut bait, and release of captured fish, specifically: Whether purchased or collected, unused baitfish should be disposed of on land or in the trash – never in the water. A person who collects fish shall not use the fish as bait or cut bait except in the inland lake, stream, or Great Lake where the fish was caught, or in a connecting waterway of the inland lake, stream, or Great Lake where the fish was caught if the fish could freely move between the original location of capture and the location of release. The new rule is requiring boaters to avoid leaving any aquatic organisms that could attract invasive species, such as bitterling, bighead carp and black carp. Click here to learn more about how these changes may affect you. According to Michigan’s boating and alcohol laws, it is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, or to knowingly allow any person to operate a boat who is under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. ", "It will give us a clearer picture of what's going and coming in our state, as well as any threats.". Grand Rapids, Michigan personal injury lawyer Tom Sinas, of the Sinas Dramis Law Firm, discusses boating laws and boating safety. Michigan’s new stay-home order allows landscaping, boating and golf Gov. In addition to the existing law requiring all aquatic plants be removed from boats and trailers before launching, the changes require the following, prior to transporting any watercraft over land: This means after trailering boats, and before getting on the road, boaters must pull plugs, drain water and remove plants and debris from all watercraft, trailers and other conveyances. May operate a boat powered by a motor of no more than 6 hp legally without restrictions. Once you have purchased a boat, however, you will need to apply for your vessel registration and learn the boating rules of the road before taking to the Michigan waterways. Drain all water from live wells and bilges. The rates for an all-species fishing license are: All licenses include a $1 surcharge. Some of the biggest changes to Michigan law will kick off in 2020. The new law would have boaters to do the following before they leave a site: Violations are punishable by fines of up to $100. Anglers are able to buy licenses in person at stores such as Dick's Sporting Goods, Dunham's Sporting Goods, Ace Hardware, Meijer and Walmart. According to the DNR, boaters born after June 30, 1996 will need to take a boating education course to receive a safety certificate. If your leisure-time plans include boating or fishing, recent changes in Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) may affect you. Beginning March 21, watercraft users in the state are required to take steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Persons less than 12 years of age: 1. For angler, the new laws focus on the release of baitfish, collection and use of baitfish and cut bait, and the release of captured fish. Or, they can purchase their license online at mdnr-elicense.com. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. What Boaters Need To Know: Amendments to legal guidelines already in life have an effect on each motorized and non-motorized Any baitfish an angler collects may be used only in the waters where it was originally collected. “Anglers who are catching and releasing fish should only release the fish back into the same water or in a connecting body of water the fish could have reached on its own.”, “Many invasive species move from one location to another with the help of human transportation,” said Kevin Walters, an aquatic biologist with the DEQ. A person should not release baitfish in any Michigan waters. A person shall not release baitfish in any waters of this state. 2. New boating and fishing laws to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species The laws include the removal of drain plugs and aquatic organisms from boats … Use this handbook to familiarize yourself with steps to make all your boating outings safe and enjoyable. Are directly supervised on board by a person at least 16 years of age. Also, anyone fishing with live or cut bait or practicing catch-and-release fishing will need to take precautions to limit the movement of invasive species and fish diseases. It’s officaially summertime and that means many of you will be boating in our lakes and rivers. 41325 of NREPA (Act 451 of 1994), finalized near the close of the 2018 legislative session, affect both motorized and nonmotorized watercraft, trailers and other conveyances used to move watercraft. Fish diseases also can be spread to new locations when water carrying parasites or infection is transferred via bilges, live wells or ballast tanks. 10. Life jackets are not only a requirement, they are also important safety features. If your leisure-time plans include boating or fishing, recent changes in Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) may affect you. Moving fish from one body of water to another can spread fish diseases, like heterosporis (a parasite of yellow perch) and viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSv), a serious disease that can affect many fish species. For boaters, amendments to Sec. and I noticed the water in the boat while unhooking the winch. A short video from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality shows the steps boaters can take to comply with the new law. New Michigan boating & fishing laws take effect March 21: What to know. Just one plant fragment can start a new population.”. The law outlines specifically how and where anglers can catch or release fish. 9. A hunting and fishing license combo is also available, costing $76 for residents and $266 for non-residents. A person who catches fish other than baitfish must release them in the body of water where the fish was captured, or a connecting waterway. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Boating and fishing laws to prevent the spread of invasive species » The laws include the removal of drain plugs and aquatic organisms from boats and trailers and disposal of unused baitfish, put in place to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Enforcement of Boating Laws in Michigan. Before leaving or launching, boaters and anglers should: Those who wish to get their boat or fishing rod out in the water first need to obtain a license. New Michigan boating and fishing laws take effect March 21: What to know ... A short video from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality shows the steps boaters can take to … Anglers 17 and older must obtain a fishing license. 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