St. Paul, MN - Today, with the Minnesota Senate concurring with the House’s changes, the 2024 Environment and Natural Resources Policy bill (SF 2904/HF 2774) is on its way to Governor Walz.
State Representative Sydney Jordan (DFL - Minneapolis), the Vice Chair of the House’s Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee, authored a provision in the policy package that updates state statute pertaining to native rough fish for conservation purposes.
“Our native rough fish play a vital role in Minnesota’s aquatic ecosystems” said Rep. Jordan. “The legislation we’ve authored will help protect our native species while updating state statute to differentiate from invasive fish. I want to thank the many fish advocates across Minnesota and Native Fish for Tomorrow in particular for leading this charge.”
Following recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requested by the legislature last session, Rep. Jordan’s legislation changes the definition of “rough fish” in statute to “native rough fish,” removes carp from the definition, and further defines the list of native rough fishes.
In Minnesota, game fish like walleye, pike and bass are licensed and their harvest is regulated by establishing designated seasons and setting possession limits. Game fish are generally characterized as fish that are traditionally harvested for consumption. By contrast, fish of lesser commercial value – native rough fish like gar, buffalo, or bowfin - are not licensed or regulated which puts them at risk of over-harvest. The legislation grants the DNR rulemaking authority to establish daily and possession limits on native rough fish as they see fit.
The 2024 Environment and Natural Resources Policy bill passed both chambers with bipartisan support. In addition to the policies on native rough fish, the bill includes legislation expanding opportunities to protect native prairies and preparing Minnesota for a new Electronic Licensing System, including a mobile phone app, for issuing angling and hunting licenses, visitor permits, and outdoor recreation vehicle registrations.
###