TOPIC:

What would you do if your boat was 50 years old, and you could no longer find parts?

Most would say thats easy, by a newer boat, right? What if that option wasn't available???

For a few years now I have at different points in time talked about the hatcheries that supply our fishery. Mixsawbah and Bodine supply our coldwater hatchery needs.
And they are just 2 of the hatcheries that the state operates. They happen to be the 2 newest also. So what happens when parts are needed and you no longer can find them? How would fishermen feel if one day we are told that we just can't operate our hatcheries anymore? Cost overides, parts that aren't attainable, etc. etc, etc!!!!! Being involved with the fishery, I have heard how we just aren't stocking enough fish. What will those say when we just don't operate a hatchery anymore? I am asking all to start thinking along those lines and ask yourself just what would you do????? If the state made that announcment it would be to late to try to fight for something that the state may see as a loser for them?
The state of Michigan thru HB5093 is attempting to offset some of the problems that are out there. In Indiana we have issues and the trout stamp wouldn't touch some of the issues we are faceing today or in the future. I'm asking you all to start thinking along this line, what would we do here? Parts are becoming obsolete. I could go in to more detail but right now we really need to understand were we are and what it may take to keep our fishery moving in a good direction. Some would reach out and say Hey Ben this needs to be addressed. Not Bens job folks. But over time Ben in his own way has asked us to see what is out there. Over the last couple of years some of our fishermen have taken a role of partner, and are giving their time to help when they can at our hatcheries. As good as this is, it only started a few years ago, but our hatcheries have been produceing fish for over 50 years now for us. We as fishermen have been TAKING AND TAKING over the years, how much do we give back over the same time frame? Some may say well I buy a license and stamp so I do my part. What if that just isn't enough anymore????