Lake Erie perch shortage has Wisconsin restaurants stocking up

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Few things can ruin a Friday night fish fry in Wisconsin, except maybe a lack of fish.

Companies believe pollution and over-fishing could be depleting Lake Erie of its perch.

Many Wisconsin supper clubs rely on Lake Erie's perch for their Friday dinners. 

Some say that the low supply has them stocking up on fish.

"When I ask the distributor how much they have, he'll tell me how many cases and I'll order twice as many cases as I normally do, just so we don't run out," said restaurant manager Cathy Kuske. 

Wisconsin fishermen could benefit from this. 

The Green Bay commercial fishermen are fishing harder on Lake Michigan and providing more perch for restaurants and other suppliers.