All,
Well, I've gotten around to putting all of the information that the DNR guy gave us all together. Basically, the breakdown is that
all fish not native to Wisconsin are called "invasive" species. Based on that definition, the DNR gives themselves the authority to regulate the posession, transfer, keeping, breeding, and sale of
all fishes in the state. However, they have given the green light to the tropical fish industry. They are giving the industry the right to posess, transfer, keep, breed, and sell any fish they like, including fish that could survive if released into waters of the state. There are a very few exceptions, though. The table presented in the next few images summarizes the info. This table was given to everyone at the Native Fish Club meeting. I asked the DNR representative later where this information would be posted on-line. He said that it wouldn't. He said that anyone with questions could look to the "greensheet package". This is the 72-page document found
here. Very dry and might I say "confusing" reading by the way. And, incidentally, the information in the table is
not all in the greensheet package. Anywaaaaaayyys...on to the table.
This is the title page, listing all of the information for the states compiled. The information for the states other than Wisconsin are just listed as ancillary information.
The rule goes into effect September 1st, by the way. I had to write this down as it was not given in the table.
This page lists prohibited species in Wisconsin.
No use or posession is allowed. You can see that I've circled the Starhead Topminnow. Apparently our speaker did not know that Starhead Topminnows are native to the state, and are on the endangered species list, by the way. You may notice that "all unlisted and tropical or marine nonnative species are prohibited". This contradicts the listing in the greensheet package. Maybe these are plans for the future??
This page lists more prohibited species, as well as some restricted species that use or posession is disallowed for, and one species whose use is allowed. You'll notice that I've circled the Blackside Darter. Apparently our speaker did not know that the Blackside Darter is native to Wisconsin and is the second-most abundant darter in the state. Hmmm.
...And on this page we have restricted species whose posession and use is allowed. You'll notice here the species that are in the tropical fish industry, whose use is allowed, even though they could survive if released in Wisconsin. Hmmmmm.
...And the final list of species.
If anyone has any comments, I'd like to hear them. This legislation is very contradictory and intrusive. It's this type of legislation that will kill the native fish keeping in the U.S.. Of course, you'll still be able to keep fish that you go out and collect in your home state....maybe.
Brian