Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage
Discover the story of our Great Lakes fisheries and explore the legacy of the historic Katherine V wood commercial fish tug and the DNR Research Vessel Chinook, which together trace the rise, collapse, and recovery of the region’s fisheries. From the early days of thriving commercial harvests, through the devastation caused by invasive species like the sea lamprey, to today’s successful restoration efforts, the exhibit reveals how science, stewardship, and community action are helping heal and protect our waters.
Step aboard these maritime treasures—be inspired to join the ongoing mission
to safeguard the Great Lakes fisheries for generations to come!
Click for more information about these historic fishing vessels and the people from our communities that worked on them. Then come see the actual restored vessels on display at the museum!
The exhibit also includes the role of invasive species on the Great Lakes commercial fisheries. For a deeper dive, visit the Gift Shop at the museum to pick up "Invaders of the Great Lakes" watch videos on the Besser Museum YouTube channel, read informative articles on related topics here...
The Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Consortium
The Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Consortium reflects the work of a statewide network of organizations collaborating beyond restoration and preservation of fisheries heritage artifacts to envision and implement strategies for how these assets can be more ambitiously leveraged in advancing coastal tourism, community development, and Great Lakes literacy and stewardship through education and interpretation.
Visit the website, click here:
To plan a trip based on fisheries resources, click here:
To learn more, visit the Michigan Sea Grant Website:
http://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/explore/fisheries/great-lakes-fisheries-heritage-trail/