Commercial fishing is an active industry in Michigan waters, providing consumers throughout the Great Lakes region with a local, healthy and sustainable food source. That’s why it’s critical that recreational boaters do their part to avoid areas marked by orange flags and buoys, which indicate commercial fishing nets are below the water’s surface.

Nets can cover more than an acre on the lake bottom. If snagged by a boat, a net can be damaged or cause damage to the boat and other equipment.

If you see an orange a flag or buoy while boating, turn the other way and maintain a distance of at least 500 feet. Avoid navigating between flags and pull in any fishing gear. Also, additional flags may be difficult to see due to waves, glare, fog, low light or reduced visibility.

If your boat does get tangled in a net:

• Turn off the engine or put the boat in neutral.
• Cut yourself free using wire cutters, then label any gear left behind that should be returned to you.
• Attach a buoy or jug to mark the net and leave it in the water.
• Use GPS to mark the location.
• Report the net to the DNR hotline by calling or texting 800-292-7800.

For more information, check out Michigan Sea Grant’s Nets of the Great Lakes webpage.

Questions? Email 2nd Lt. Kevin Postma at PostmaK@Michigan.gov.