SAY GOOD BYE TO THE FISHES

In Michigan, water levels in the Great Lakes have already dropped and winters are getting shorter, putting recreational fishing at risk.

According to recent reports, lower water levels, higher water temperatures and lack of winter ice cover may severely affect stocks of trout and whitefish. Experts say that fresh water flowing into the Great Lakes could decrease by another 20 percent if global warming pollution is not dramatically reduced.

Sure there are a lot more dire things happening as a result of global warming then risks to recreational fishing in a small Michigan town, but it may take a whole lot of such small towns getting the news before big, huge countries and their big headed but small brained leaders to get it.

Mackinaw City, Michigan, maybe, is one such town.

The following is from Sootoday News.

Local community groups demonstrate at Water Festival, call for action on global warming

Citizens in fishing gear carry message on poles to congressional candidates

MACKINAW CITY — Donning full fishing attire and sporting fishing poles with messages hanging from the hooks, local residents of all ages held a demonstration at the Water Festival to draw attention to the impacts of global warming on the region, and to urge Congressman Bart Stupak to make commitments to curb its impacts.

"Today our goal is to send a clear message to our Congressman, Bart Stupak, letting him know how deeply concerned his constituents are about the issue of global warming," said Michael Powers, Project Hot Seat Field Organizer. "We're seeing the impacts of global warming right here in the Great Lakes, and we want a Congress that's committed to reel in the problem."

Michigan Project Hot Seat activists and volunteers plan to continue their campaign through the mid-term elections, seeking a public commitment from candidates to address the issue of global warming from their local representatives.

"If we don't see action soon, I'm afraid our lakes will suffer, and so will fishing. It's a family tradition around here that I'd like to be able to share with my grandchildren," said Ray Weglarz, one of the attendees.

Fishermen are concerned about the impacts of global warming on local lakes and rivers.

Scientists are saying that warmer waters in the Great Lakes will encourage invasive species, and will reduce habitat for trout and whitefish by a third.

Members of Trout Unlimited, church groups and local watershed councils added their voices during the demonstration, calling on local leaders to act on recent reports that recommend reductions of greenhouse gases to preserve habitat for fish.

Messages attached to the fishing poles read "Stop global warming!" and "Save our fish!"