As salmon return to state rivers to spawn in the fall, the Department of Natural Resources maintains a number of weirs where the fish are prevented from moving further upstream. DNR personnel collect eggs and milt (sperm) from these fish for fish production facilities.

Surplus fish are also collected from the weirs. The DNR has contracted with American-Canadian Fisheries (ACF), a private vendor, to help harvest surplus salmon. ACF pays the DNR a flat rate by the pound for the fish and their eggs that they harvest. When they collect fish in suitable condition, the fish are processed for human consumption. ACF wholesales the fish to all local distributors that market those fish to the public. A list of retailers marketing the fish is attached to this press release.

Salmon eggs are sold to bait dealers who process the eggs for angler use. Bait dealers either disinfect salmon eggs using an approved DNR process to allow them to be sold as certified Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia-free, which can be used anywhere in the state. If they are not disinfected, they can only be used in restricted areas.

"We work closely with ACF to maintain a professional approach to dealing with the returning salmon and to ensure that the harvest is done in the most environmentally ethical way," said Ed Eisch, Northern Lower Peninsula hatchery manager. "The number of fish returning to our rivers is so large that the DNR needs the assistance of private partners like ACF to help in this area of fishery management."

There is no fish health consumption warning for mercury in Great Lakes salmon. The Michigan Department of Community Health states that Lake Huron and Lake Michigan salmon can be eaten without restriction by men and recommends no more than one meal per month for women of child bearing age and children.

Michigan retailers selling salmon from DNR weirs include:

• Pappy's Bait & Tackle, 17092 Caberfae Hwy., Wellston, MI 49689, (231) 848-4142

• Lixie's Fish Market, 2669 Tac Trail, East Tawas, MI 48060, (989) 362-5791

• Tippy Dam Campground, 17974 Old House Road, Wellston, MI 49689, (231) 848-4448

• Wellman's Bait & Tackle, 410 S. State St. #309, Oscoda, MI 48750, (989) 739-2869

• Andy's Tackle Box, 14573 Coates Hwy., Brethren, MI 49619, (231) 477-5737

• Au Sable River Store, 680 W. River Road, Oscoda, MI 48750, (989) 739-5332

• R & J Resort, 3070 Keith Road, Brethren, MI 49619, (231) 477-5549

• Hank and Sons, 16441 Coates Hwy., Brethren, MI 49619, (231) 477-5450