During the 19th century, the Great Lakes supported the largest freshwater fishery in the world. Today, as a result of intensive fishing and environmental changes, the fishery is very different. This paper examines the history of the commercial fishery on the Canadian Great Lakes, emphasizing the development and interaction of technological change, economic organization, and resource management. A commercial fishery is defined as one in which fish are caught almost exclusively for sale in contrast to a subsistence fishery or a sport fishery. The paper covers pre-Confederation and post-Confederation legislation and regulations; technological developments in fishing gear, boats, and processing and marketing; changes in fish stocks; federal, provincial and international jurisdictions; the economic impact of the fishery; and the different types of fisheries (commercial, subsistence, and sport).

One of the Great Lakes region’s most precious natural resources is its fishery, with its intricate web of aquatic life, the environments it inhabits, and the people who use and enjoy these areas. The Great Lakes fishery supports not only an important commercial fishing industry but also tourism in eight different states and two countries, attracting millions of recreational anglers each year. As valuable as the fishery is, it is equally fragile. Since the 1950s, state, provincial, and federal agencies have coordinated efforts to manage the fishery and protect it from a range of threats, from the spread of invasive species to nutrient pollution to habitat destruction. Now in its fourth edition, The Life of the Lakes examines the complex portrait of the Great Lakes fishery, including the history of the fishery’s exploitation and management, the current health of the Lakes, and the outlook for the future. Featuring more graphics, photos, and illustrations than ever, all printed in full color, the new edition of this engaging book is a perfect resource for general readers, teachers, and students looking for an easy-to-follow guide to the Great Lakes fishery. This book is published in collaboration with Michigan Sea Grant (www.michiganseagrant.org), a cooperative program of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.

Examines the history of human use of the fish resources of the Great Lakes, and analyzes the changing nature of the fish populations, especially those that became popular in the commercial markets.