Each fall, a large number of chinook and coho salmon return to the rivers where they were stocked to spawn. The Department of Natural Resources has contracted with a private vendor to collect these fish at the state-owned weir facilities. The salmon can then be used for public consumption or marketed in other meaningful ways.

The DNR maintains multiple weirs used to block salmon from moving further upstream. At these locations, the fish are funneled into harvest raceways so the DNR can collect eggs and milt (sperm) from them. The eggs are reared and the young salmon will be stocked in the subsequent spring.

The DNR has contracted with American-Canadian Fisheries (ACF), a private vendor, to help harvest surplus salmon at the DNR's salmon weirs. ACF pays the DNR a flat rate by the pound for all salmon and salmon eggs that they sell. If they are in suitable condition, the fish are processed for human consumption. ACF makes the fish available wholesale to any and all local distributors that would like to market the fish to the public. A list of retailers marketing the fish is attached to this press release. Fish that are not edible can be used for pet food or fertilizer.

Salmon eggs are sold to bait dealers who process the eggs for use by anglers when fishing. Bait dealers either disinfect salmon eggs using an approved DNR process to allow them to be sold as certified free of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia virus (VHSv), or they sell them without disinfection as uncertified bait. Anglers are reminded that eggs certified free of VHSv can be used anywhere in the state while use of eggs that are not certified free of VHSv is restricted in certain areas of the state. A list of the restrictions by water body can be found on the DNR's Web site at www.michigan.gov/vhs.

"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, DNR 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 one meal per month for women of child bearing age and children.

Michigan retailers selling salmon harvested at DNR weirs:

• 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