SF3877

Purpose

This bill changes how native rough fish are regulated by removing limits on how many native rough fish can be taken in one day or kept in possession. It aims to restrict the authority of the commissioner of natural resources from setting daily or possession limits for these fish.

Main Provisions

• Adds a new subdivision (Subdivision 4) to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97C.401.
• For native rough fish, the commissioner of natural resources must not prescribe any limits on:
  • the number that may be taken in one day, or
  • the number that may be possessed.
• The new provision uses the phrase “Notwithstanding subdivision 1,” indicating it overrides certain existing rules in Subdivision 1 for native rough fish.

How this changes current law

• Currently, the commissioner has authority under existing sections to set limits on fishing (including daily take and possession limits) for various fish.
• The bill specifically removes the ability to impose daily or possession limits for native rough fish, effectively allowing unlimited harvest or possession for these species, subject to any other unrelated laws or regulations.

Potential implications and considerations

• Fishery management: May affect populations of native rough fish if unlimited harvest is allowed, depending on how other laws and regulations apply.
• Regulatory scope: The change targets only native rough fish; other fish species may still be subject to existing limits.
• Enforcement and compliance: With no daily/possession limits specified for native rough fish, other tools (season dates, gear restrictions, habitat rules) may still govern how, when, and where these fish can be taken.

Relevant Terms - native rough fish - commissioner of natural resources - daily take limit - possession limit - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97C.401 - Subdivision / Subd. (Subdivision 1, Subdivision 4) - Notwithstanding - take in one day - possessed (possession)