Note: The Wisconsin Attorney General and the Department of Natural Resources interpret LeClair et al. v. Natural Resources Board and DNR, 168 Wis. 2d 227 (Ct. App. 1992), (review denied June 2, 1992) and prior cases to hold that commercial fishing licenses and quotas do not establish property rights and are subject to the full regulatory authority of the state. By voluntarily withdrawing from the commercial fishery in conjunction with the creation of this subdivision and the amendment of ss. NR 25.03(1) (a) and 25.06(1) (a) 2., (effective February 1, 1997), participating commercial fishers acknowledge this interpretation and agree to cooperate in reducing the size of the commercial fishery while enhancing the lake trout fishery of Lake Superior.
Wis. Admin. Code Department of Natural Resources NR 25.03