PORT CLINTON, OH – Governor Ted Strickland today spent a successful morning on the waters of Lake Erie during the 30th annual Fish Ohio Day. The governor, members of the media, representatives of the tourism industry, conservation leaders and wildlife officials used the outing to focus attention on the lake’s excellent boating and fishing opportunities, which make it one of the Midwest’s premier tourism destinations.

The group of 18 charter boats fished the lake’s Western Basin, catching about 100 Lake Erie walleye.

“Every time I visit these waters I am left in awe of the amazing resource that we Ohioans have at our doorstep,” Strickland said. “From Toledo to Conneaut, I invite everyone to explore Ohio’s north coast and discover how conservation, business and recreation come together to create a world-class place to live, work and play.”

Following the morning’s fishing trip, Strickland recognized the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife’s commitment to strengthen fishing opportunities for walleye, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and steelhead in the state. As a result of the 2003 spawning class, Ohio anglers have enjoyed some of the best walleye fishing in the Midwest in recent years. Those fish now average more than 20 inches in length. And more good fishing is on the way due to an excellent 2007 hatch, according to ODNR fisheries biologists.

The governor also applauded the combined efforts of the ODNR divisions of Wildlife and Watercraft for improving public boating access to Lake Erie and Ohio’s inland waterways.

One of the most significant Lake Erie boating-access points under development is the marina at Middle Bass Island State Park. A master plan for a $4 million redevelopment of the area includes an expanded and reconfigured harbor with up to 340 boat slips, a boat launch ramp, a new entrance channel from the lake and other amenities. About 250 docks are expected to be in operation by the start of the 2009 recreational season. Once completed, the marina will provide much-needed dockage for visiting boaters in the Western Basin, contributing significantly to tourism in the area.

Nearly 20-acres of land at the mouth of the Huron River was purchased in 2006 by the ODNR for $3.25 million. The state will build a four-lane boat ramp and courtesy docks on southern half of the property, filling a void in public access between Sandusky and Vermilion. The northern half of the property was deeded to the City of Huron for economic development that could include greenspace, restaurants, shops and more.

Tourism is Ohio’s third-largest industry, generating $38 billion annually. The seven counties along Lake Erie account for nearly a third of that dollar amount. About 146,800 people are employed in tourism-related businesses along the lake. Lake Erie tourism also generates $386 million in state tax revenue and $229 million in local taxes.