The Senate has approved the Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act, a bill designed to extend the Great Lakes Fishery Research Program for five more years through fiscal year 2030. The program, which expired at the end of September 2025, supports the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Great Lakes Science Center by providing funding for research vital to the commercial fishing industry in the Great Lakes region.
Senator Jon Husted, who represents Ohio and is a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, highlighted the significance of the program for his state. “Ohio is home to some of the world’s most beautiful lakes, and fishing is important to our culture and economy. Rich ecology and proper wildlife management help keep our lakes healthy. I’m proud the Senate passed our Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act to protect this program and the fisheries that remain critical to Ohio,” said Husted.
Senator Peters also commented on the legislation’s importance for neighboring states and ecosystems: “The Great Lakes Science Center helps protect the freshwater fisheries and habitats that are invaluable economic and ecological assets for Michigan and the entire Great Lakes Region. I’ll keep fighting to see this commonsense bill to support this essential center become law,” said Peters.
The bipartisan measure was approved by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on October 29, 2025. Senator Husted is currently the only committee member representing a state bordering one of the Great Lakes. The committee oversees legislation related to environmental protection as well as conservation efforts.
Husted has indicated he will continue efforts aimed at supporting economic growth and resilient communities across Ohio.
A link to the full text of the bill can be found here.
