Introduction | Prohibited invasive species | Regulated and unlisted invasive species | Transportation prohibitions | Regulations
in infested waters | Regulations on transport of infested water | Crayfish regulations
Introduction
Minnesota has several state laws intended to minimize
the introduction and spread of invasive species of wild animal and
aquatic plants in the state. The state designated several invasive species
using a four-tiered classification system. Invasive species are classified
as either prohibited, regulated, unregulated, and unlisted invasive species.
The classification process establishes the level of regulation and types
of allowable uses for each species.
The following is a summary of the many current
state regulations regarding invasive species. For complete current
information on state statutes and rules regarding harmful invasive species,
call the DNR Invasive Species Program at (651) 259-5100, or visit the invasive species statutes
and rules
at the Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
Prohibited invasive species
Certain invasive species that can threaten
natural resources and their use have been designated as prohibited invasive
species in Minnesota. It is unlawful (a misdemeanor) to possess, import,
purchase, transport, or introduce these species except under a permit for
disposal, control, research, or education. The prohibited invasive species
in Minnesota include the following and any hybrids, cultivars, or varieties
of the species listed below:
- Aquatic Plants
African oxygen weed (Lagarosiphon major)
aquarium watermoss or giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta)
Australian stone crop (Crassula helmsii)
curly-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus)*
Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)*
European frog-bit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae)
flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus)*
hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata)
Indian swampweed (Hygrophila polysperma)
purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria, Lythrum virgatum, or any variety,
hybrid, or cultivar thereof)*
water aloe or water soldiers (Stratiotes aloides)
water chestnut (Trapa natans)
- Fish
bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis)
black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus)
grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
round goby (Neogobius melanostomus)*
rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus)
ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus)*
sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)*
silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)
white perch (Morone americana)*
zander (Stizostedion lucioperca)
- Invertebrates
zebra mussel (Dreissena spp.)*
- Mammals
Asian raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)
European wild boar, European wild boar (Sus scrofa scrofa) European rabbit
(Oryctolagus cuniculus)
nutria (Mycocastor coypu)
* These species are known to be in Minnesota waters.
Regulated invasive and unlisted nonnative species
Regulated and unlisted invasive species
are legal to possess, sell, buy, and transport, but they may not be introduced
into a free-living state, such as being released or planted in public waters.
The regulated invasive species are:
- Aquatic plants
Carolina fanwort or fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana)
nonnative waterlilies (Nymphaea spp.)*
parrot's feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum)
yellow iris or yellow flag (Iris pseudacoris)*
- Birds
Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiaus)
mute swan (Cygnus olor)*
Sichuan pheasant (Phasianus colchicus strachi)
- Fish
alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus)*
carp, koi (Cyprinus carpio)*
goldfish (Carassius auratus)*
rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax)*
tilapia (Oneochromis, Sartheradon, and Tilapia spp.)
- Invertebrates
Chinese mystery snail, Japanese trap door snail (Cipangopaludina spp.)*
rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus)*
spiny water flea (Bythotrephes cederstroemi)*
* These species are known to be in Minnesota waters.
Unlisted nonnative species are those that
are not prohibited, regulated or unregulated. Several steps must
occur before an unlisted nonnative species may be legally released into a
free-living state: an application and supporting information must be filed
with the DNR by the individual proposing to release the species, a thorough
evaluation by the DNR, and designation of the species into an appropriate
classification.
Transportation prohibitions
Current state law prohibits transportation of
all aquatic plants (with a few exceptions). This law will not only
help prevent the spread of Eurasian watermilfoil, but it will also reduce
the risk of zebra mussels being transported while attached to aquatic plants.
And it will reduce the inadvertent transport of other harmful plants into
or within the state.
Under state law, it is unlawful to:
- transport aquatic plants on public roads, except
as allowed in statute ($50 civil penalty);
- transport zebra mussels and other prohibited species of animals on a public road ($250 civil penalty or misdemeanor)
- place or attempt to place into waters of the
state a boat, seaplane, or trailer that has aquatic plants ($100 civil
penalty), zebra mussels, or other prohibited invasive species attached
($500 civil penalty or misdemeanor).
Regulations in infested waters
Each year, the DNR designates waters that contain
populations of Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel, ruffe, round goby,
spiny water flea, and white perch as infested waters. Those waters
will be posted at the public water accesses. The following regulations
apply to activities in infested waters:
- taking wild animals (fish, frogs, crayfish, etc.)
from infested waters for bait or aquatic farms is prohibited except:
for commercial purposes by permit in some Eurasian watermilfoil infested
waters, and bait purposes for noncommercial personal use in waters that contain Eurasian water milfoil, when the infested waters are designated solely because they contain Eurasian water milfoil and if the equipment for taking is limited to cylindrical minnow traps not exceeding 16 inches in diameter and 32 inches in length.
- equipment used for commercial fishing purposes
in infested waters must be dried or frozen before it can be used
in noninfested waters (misdemeanor).
Regulations on transport of infested water.
The following regulations apply to the transportation
of water from infested waters (violations are misdemeanors or civil penalties of $50 to $200):
- water from infested waters may not be used to
transport fish except by permit;
- persons leaving infested waters that contain
populations of spiny waterflea or zebra mussels must drain bait containers,
other boating-related equipment (excluding marine sanitary systems) that
holds water, and livewells and bilges by removing the drain plug before
transporting the watercraft and associated equipment on public roads ($50 civil penalty or misdemeanor);
- water from infested waters may not be transported
on a public road or off riparian property on infested waters except in
emergencies or under permit ($200 civil penalty or misdemeanor).
Crayfish regulations
The transportation of live native and invasive crayfish
from one waterbody to another within the state is prohibited, except by
permit issued by the DNR. Live crayfish or crayfish eggs may not be imported
without a permit issued by the DNR. Live crayfish may not be sold for live
bait or for use in aquariums. Live crayfish taken from a waterbody can
only be used as bait in that same waterbody.
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