The US House and Senate have passed the Great Lakes Fishery Reauthorization Act and it has been presented to the President for his signature.
See the press release from the Great Lakes Fishery Commission below for more details and visit their website (https://www.glfc.org) to learn more about their work.
For Immediate Release
December 22, 2025
Contact: Greg McClinchey
226-980-9193
GREAT LAKES FISHERY COMMISSION CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL PASSAGE OF THE GREAT LAKES FISHERY RESEARCH REAUTHORIZATION ACT
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Great Lakes Fishery Commission (Commission) is celebrating the successful passage of the Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act (GLFRAA) by the House and Senate, extending critical financial support for the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Great Lakes Science Center through fiscal year 2030. This bipartisan legislation ensures continued federal funding and stability for science that underpins the long-term health of Great Lakes fish populations, ecosystems, and the region’s $5.1 billion fishing economy.
“The health and sustainability of the $5.1 billion annual Great Lakes fishery relies on the availability of a solid scientific understanding of what is happening in the freshwater environment. The Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act has been and continues to be an essential tool for all those who work to keep the Great Lakes ecosystem strong. The Great Lakes community owes a huge debt of thanks to members of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force for their tireless work to advance and pass this critical legislation through both the House and Senate. The passage of GLFRAA has again put that scientific understanding on a more stable footing for years to come,” said Ethan Baker, Chair of the Commission.
The Great Lakes Science Center conducts essential research on native and invasive fish species, habitat conditions, and biological assessments vital to sound fisheries management and conservation efforts across the Great Lakes Basin.
Other Activities carried out by the Great Lakes Science Center include:
• Conducting surveys of both native and invasive fish populations in the Great Lakes. This data helps USGS, along with tribal, state, and local partners, develop effective strategies to protect and manage fisheries.
• Development of reintroduction plans for culturally and ecologically significant fish populations, which are essential for the long-term health of the Great Lakes.
• Testing and development of technologies that assist in research.
The Commission greatly thanks the many House and Senate champions who pushed this bill across the finish line. This bill was led by Congressman Mike Quigley of Illinois and Congressman Bill Huizenga of Michigan on the House side. The Senate version of the bill was led by Senator Gary Peters of Michigan and Senator Jon Husted of Ohio.
Representative Quigley stated, “Like all Chicagoans, I love Lake Michigan, and I want it to be healthy and vibrant when it’s passed on to my kids and grandkids. This week’s passage of the Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act will equip the U.S. Geological Survey with the tools and information needed to continue its important ecosystem restoration and maintenance projects for years to come. I was proud to formally establish this federal program 5 years ago, and I’m happy to see this important work move forward.”
Senator Husted was instrumental in guiding this legislation through the Environmental and Public Works Committee in the Senate, while Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Congressman Tim Walberg supported the legislation as it left the House Natural Resources Committee.
Christina Contreras Stone (she/her/hers)
Program Manager, Communications
Great Lakes Fishery Commission
2200 Commonwealth Blvd, Ste. 100
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 646-1129
