Rural Orleans County isn't known for its bustling cities and sprawling metropolis. But what it does have is a lengthy border with Lake Ontario, and a well-known fishing industry. The Orleans County fishing industry generates $12 million a year.

With more than 30 charter boat operators in the county, migratory fish species like chinook, coho and Atlantic salmon, as well as brown trout and steelhead are the life blood of the industry. On Monday, Sen. Charles Schumer vowed to fund infrastructure improvements along the Great Lakes to ensure the long-term survival of local fisheries.

"We've put together a bill called the Great Lakes Aquatic Connectivity Infrastructure Program, and it has the support of all of our fishing sports groups, throughout the Northeast and the Middle West," Schumer, D-NY, said.

The bill is cosponsored by the senate minority leader, and would prevent habitat destruction, revise infrastructure for migratory spawning and promoting stocking programs. But local fishermen are also concerned with the issue of invasive species.

“We have had issues with invasive species, such as the cormorants, and the lamprey eels,” said Charter Boat Captain Lucas Falkner. “Anybody who has ever been out on Lake Ontario can tell you that they have seen fish that have been damaged by them."

But with the efforts of lawmakers, and environmentalists who work to preserve commercial fishing in the Great Lakes, places like Orleans County will continue to be well known by anglers worldwide for its abundance of fish.