Examining how fishermen and conservation officers' relationships and actions impact the salmon populations in Michigan

Introduction

Salmon are an important part of Michigan's culture, economy, and environment. But how do fishermen and conservation officers' relationships and actions impact the salmon populations in Michigan? In the past, fishermen and conservation officers have not always seen eye to eye. However, this has changed in recent years. Fishermen want to catch as many fish as possible, while the conservation officers want to try and protect the populations of the fish. The conservation officers recently began doing something that made sense for both the fishermen and the fish. They began to work hand in hand with the fishermen to preserve the salmon populations. This is done by identifying areas salmon are spawning so they are not overfished, implementing fishing regulations, and also working together to preserve the habitat of the salmon (Department of Natural Resources [DNR], 2022). The relationships and actions of both fishermen and conservation officers have a significant impact on the salmon populations in Michigan. Fishermen need to comply with the fisheries laws and regulations that are enforced. Fishermen and conservation officers work together to improve dams, eliminate illegal fishing practices, reduce overfishing, and crack down on pollution (DNR, 2022). Each one of these actions impacts salmon populations in one way or another and so fisherman and conservation officers need to be on the same page and work together. By looking at these actions and relationships, we can find what factors both directly and indirectly could impact the salmon populations in Michigan.

Importance In Michigan

Salmon were originally introduced to the Great Lakes region by conservation officers who were trying to combat an immense expanding alewife population that got out of hand (Gudmundsen, 2021). Now these salmon mean so much more to the state of Michigan than just that. Salmon is a vital food source for many species of animals and plays a crucial role in the ecosystems it lives in (Rahr, 2021). They are a food source and a key part in bringing nutrients upstream. Nutrients help the river and stream ecosystems flourish as a whole. In addition, salmon is also a valuable commodity for the Michigan economy. “Michigan ranks first among the Great Lakes states for jobs created from hunting- and fishing-related purchases – and generates more than $11.2 billion annually” (Economic Impact Study, 2019, para. 1).

Overfishing

Reproduction levels drop
More vulnerable to extinction
More susceptible to diseases
Decrease in population equals an increase in invasive species
Decrease of genetic diversity impacting the ecosystem

Illegal Fishing/Regulations

Regulations need to be followed they are made for a reason
Regulations implemented for the preservation of salmon
Hook size is to prevent snagging of salmon
Illegal to fish for salmon with gillnets
If the spawning process is interrupted by illegal fishing it can affect the salmon population

Dams

Can be barriers or blockades disrupting salmon migration
No return to spawning grounds means a decrease in the population
Monitoring efficiency and retrofitting dams to improve salmon migration
Fish ladders are implemented

Pollution

Toxic pollutants in the water can kill off salmon
Conservation officers come up with ways to reduce water pollution in ecosystems
Manage and reduce runoff
Monitor contamination/toxicity levels of water

Theoretical Framework

Social Exchange Theory

Social exchange theory was introduced in the 1960’s by George Homans and then was recognized and used by several other theorists. The theory was developed to help people understand relationships, as well as the communication and interaction factors that help make effective relationships. Social exchange theory is a psychological and sociological theory that studies the social behavior between two groups with a cost-benefit analysis to determine benefits and risks (Redmond, 2015).

Fisherman and conservation officers' behaviors and interactions can be a crucial factor in the actual quality of relationships and regulations that are made.
Cost-benefit analysis is used between fishermen and conservation officers when creating regulations to preserve the salmon population.
Fishermen look at the costs or consequences that could occur if they break one of these laws and regulations.
Conservation officers' costs are trying to keep the fisherman happy while also protecting the ecosystems and the salmon population.
In the end, it results in whether people are willing or unwilling to comply

Final Thoughts

Fishermen want to reap the recreational and economic benefits of salmon and conservation officers want to keep ecosystems and fish populations intact. Together they can share one common interest, which is to preserve the salmon populations for future generations. Researching relationships and actions between fishermen and conservation officers will help us gain a better understanding of the environmental sustainability of our ecosystems and the population of the animals that reside in them.

References

Department of Natural Resources 2, Michigan Fishing Guide (2022). https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/-/media/Project/Websites/dnr/Documents/LED/digests/2022_fishing_guide_Web.pdf

DNR. (2020). Www.michigan.gov. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/fisheries/salmon

‌Economic Impact Study 2019. (n.d.). Michigan United Conservation Clubs.https://mucc.org/about-us/economic-impact-study-2019/

Gudmundsen, J. (2021). The Great Lakes’ Reliance on Salmon is Changing. Mackinac Center. https://www.mackinac.org/the-great-lakes-reliance-on-salmon-is-changing‌

Hydropower and Dams | State of Salmon | Problems and Benefits for Salmon. (2019). State of Salmon. https://stateofsalmon.wa.gov/executive-summary/challenges/hydropower-and-dams/‌

Jeong, Miyoung & Oh, Haemoon. (2017). Business-to-business social exchange relationship beyond trust and commitment. International Journal of Hospitality Management. 65. 115-124. doi:10.1016/j.ijhm.2017.06.004.

Kurlansky, M. (2020). SALMON : a fish, the earth, and the history of a common fate. Oneworld Publications.

Levin, P. S., & Tolimieri, N. (2006). Differences in the impacts of dams on the dynamics of salmon populations. Animal Conservation, 4(4), 291–299. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1367943001001342

‌Marschall, E. A., Mather, M. E., Parrish, D. L., Allison, G. W., & McMenemy, J. R. (2011). Migration delays caused by anthropogenic barriers: modeling dams, temperature, and success of migrating salmon smolts. Ecological Applications, 21(8), 3014-3031.

‌McQuate, S. (2020). Tire-related chemical is largely responsible for adult coho salmon deaths in urban streams. UW News. https://www.washington.edu/news/2020/12/03/tire-related-chemical-largely-responsible-for-adult-coho-salmon-deaths-in-urban-streams/

Nickerson, C. (2022). Social Exchange Theory - Simply Psychology. Simplypsychology.org. https://simplypsychology.org/what-is-social-exchange-theory.html

‌NOAA Fisheries. (2009). Atlantic Salmon - Protected | NOAA Fisheries. Noaa.gov. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/atlantic-salmon-protected

Rahr, G. (2021). Why Protect Salmon. Wild Salmon Center. https://wildsalmoncenter.org/why-protect-salmon/

Redmond, M. V. (2015). Social exchange theory.

‌US EPA- Freshwater Quality. (2021). https://www.epa.gov/salish-sea/freshwater-quality

US National Park Service - The Salmon Life Cycle . (2016). Nps.gov. https://www.nps.gov/olym/learn/nature/the-salmon-life-cycle.html

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