They generate concentrated amounts of fish waste that can cause widespread algae blooms and damage recreational areas, according to Jones.

"I certainly don't want to see the Great Lakes - a wonderful Pure Michigan resource - turned into a giant toilet bowl," he said.

Jones said the right way to do aquaculture is closed-loop aquaculture which are systems on land that use a separate water supply and allow more control over fish waste that can be harvested for fertilizer.

Jones said a ban on commercial fish farming is needed to protect the Great Lakes' recreational and fishing industries and natural ecosystems.