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Great Lakes Co-management

Update on 2023 Great Lakes Decree

On Aug. 24, 2023, U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney issued his opinion approving the 2023 Great Lakes Decree. The agreement applies to:

  • The State of Michigan
  • The United States government
  • Five of Michigan’s tribal governments with rights reserved under the 1836 Treaty of Washington:
    • The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
    • The Bay Mills Indian Community
    • The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
    • The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians
    • The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians

The agreement will define for the next 24 years how the state, the federal government and the tribes will cooperatively allocate and manage the resources in the 1836 Treaty-ceded waters of the Great Lakes. The opinion and the order approving the 2023 Great Lakes Fishing Decree are available below.

Opinion regarding the approval of the 2023 Great Lakes Decree

Order adopting the 2023 Great Lakes Decree

A map highlighting the 1836 Treaty of Washington boundaries
A map showing the 1842 Treaty of LaPointe boundaries