TRAVERSE CITY, MI (AP)-- Three state agencies are recommending against using Michigan's Great Lakes waters for a certain type of fish farming.
A report says raising fish in netted enclosures in the lakes would pose risks to the environment, recreation and tourism. It was released Wednesday by the departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Quality and Agriculture and Rural development.
It says native tribes with fishing management rights in the Great Lakes have raised strong objections, along with members of the public.
And it says about $3.3 million would be needed to establish a state oversight program for an industry that would have a limited economic payoff.
The state has received two proposals for so-called "net-pen aquaculture" operations, one targeting Lake Michigan and the other Lake Huron. But no formal permit applications have been submitted.
