Great Lakes Law Enforcement Committee

The Great Lakes Law Enforcement Committee serves to protect, enhance and promote the safe and wise use of the natural resources in the Great Lakes for present and future generations and in doing so, the Law Enforcement Committee is charged to:

  • Promote recognition that the Great Lakes fisheries resource is a shared, renewable resource whose protection and enhancement requires close cooperation between all jurisdictions charged with the responsibility of resource protection.
  • Promote recognition and acceptance that law enforcement is an integral part of effective Great Lakes fisheries and fisheries habitat management.
  • Promote cooperation among all Great Lakes law enforcement jurisdictions by:
    • Identifying and promoting Great Lakes law enforcement priorities and tactics;
    • Sharing of law enforcement information;
    • Supporting investigations that span jurisdictional lines;
    • Supporting development and dissemination of information about emerging enforcement technologies and techniques; and
    • Development and recommending consistent regulations and commensurate penalties among jurisdictions.
  • Provide a basin update annually to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.
  • Ensure law enforcement information is made available for incorporation into fisheries management decision-making.
  • Participate in the management of fisheries resources and fish habitat by preventing exploitation by unlawful means.

Great Lakes Law Enforcement Committee Terms of Reference

Members

  • Brandon Fehrenbacher, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Chair
  • Ron Beirnes, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Vice-Chair
  • Steve Amsler, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission
  • James Boylan, New York Department of Environmental Conservation
  • John Cannarella, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
  • Mark Duffy, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
  • Matthew Karras, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Brenda Koenig, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Past Chair
  • Jared Kreeger, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  • Matt Leibengood, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
  • Matthew Miller, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Enforcement Division
  • Mike Power, United States Coast Guard - District 9
  • Robert Robles Jr, Chippewa-Ottawa Resource Authority - Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
  • Mike Slancik, Chippewa-Ottawa Resource Authority - Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
  • James Smolko, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
  • Bob Stroess, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Past Chair
  • Nick Torsky, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
  • Kevin Willis, Chippewa-Ottawa Resource Authority - Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians
  • Vacant, 1854 Treaty Authority
  • Vacant, Chippewa-Ottawa Resource Authority - Bay Mills Indian Community
  • Vacant, Chippewa-Ottawa Resource Authority - Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

Updated May, 2023

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