The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Michigan charged three of its members for violating fishing regulations.

The three tribal members are accused of illegally setting nets in Little Bay de Noc to catch walleye. The fish were sold to a commercial operation run by another tribal member, who remains under investigation.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment had investigated claims of illegal fishing. But the state lacked jurisdiction to prosecute, as did the federal government, under an agreement established pursuant to the Treaty of 1836. The agreement rests exclusive jurisdiction over fishing violations with five tribes.

Get the Story:
Sault Tribe charges three fishermen (SooToday.Com 3/16)
Sault Tribe Issues Tickets In Major Poaching Case (Interlochen Public Radio 3/16)

Earlier Stories:
Feds Will Not Punish Little Bay de Noc Poachers (Interlochen Public Radio 3/12)
Feds won’t prosecute gill net case (The Escanaba Daily Press 3/6)