We Believe.
The Great Lakes and the species within are an extremely precious resource to be protected and managed carefully – without bias.
The Great Lakes and the species within them are for everyone, not just a select group.
Locally produced food is vital for our future. We should support the farmers, fishers, and food producers who provide delicious and nutritious natural products for us to enjoy.
The Commercial Fishing industry should have reasonable regulations allowing them to adapt, therefore protecting our natural resources for future generations.
We love sport fishing, but our entertainment is not more important than our food. There is more than enough space for commercial fishing and sport fishing on the Great Lakes and compromise can and should be found.
Our blue-collar industries have suffered in America due to outsourcing and undervaluing their impact on our lives. We believe it’s important to raise awareness of the value that we take for granted, and support policies and conversations that do the same.
Our Aim.
Changing minds: Change the public’s perception of the Great Lakes and how we view the management of our natural resources. Most people want access to locally sourced fish but do not even think about the people who provide that access.
Encouraged Action Steps: Watch the film and discuss what you found challenging or intriguing.
Changing structure: Change how the Great Lakes are managed. Since the 1980’s The Lakes have been managed without compromise for a sport fishery.
Encouraged Action Steps: Support HB-5108 and other pro-commercial fishing legislation and let your local legislator know you support commercial fishing.
Changing Behaviors: Inspire advocating for the Great Lakes commercial fishery through buying locally caught fish, asking for the availability of diverse species, supporting pro-commercial fishing policies, protecting our lakes and waterways, and generally advocating for the localization of our food production.
Encouraged Action Steps: Find & Buy Local – Great Lakes Fresh Fish Finder
Building Community: Encourage people to support our neighbors who provide local fish by becoming informed buyers and using that knowledge to better our communities.
Encouraged Action Steps: Join us for an educational screening [information to come].
A Letter From the Filmmakers
We are often asked, “Why are you making this film?".
Our answer: we knew we had to do something when we discovered the state of our Great Lakes commercial fishery. Every time we flipped over a rock, there was more to uncover.
We thought there had to be a good explanation for our questions, but there wasn’t.
So as filmmakers, we decided to do what we could – make a film.
This film takes you on a journey through the same epiphanies we have had. We’ve distilled years of talking with experts and untangling complex narratives into one compelling story.
Our challenge is that you do what you can to make a difference. This is an extremely complex issue that we can impact if we band together.
The mismanagement of our Great Lakes has gone unchecked long enough, and it’s time to expose the truth. We the people deserve better; we can do better.
Thanks for your support,
-The Nates