Crayfish Regulation Comments
Thank you for your interest in the regulation concerning crayfish sales that was implemented by Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) in March 2012. This regulation was implemented to help contain the serious and growing problem of invasive crayfish that threatens our aquatic ecosystems and fisheries in Missouri.
On May 31, 2013, the Missouri Conservation Commission approved the proposed amendment to 3 CSR 10-9.110 (the crayfish regulation) based upon extensive prior public input. The changes include:
- Only the Virile (or "Northern") Crayfish (Orconectes virilis) may be purchased for re-sale or sold for use as live bait. Live Virile (“Northern”) Crayfish may not be imported into the state.
- It also corrects the common names of crayfish in the approved Crustaceans list.
- Northern Crayfish to Virile (“Northern”) Crayfish (Orconectes virilis)
- White River Crayfish to White River Crawfish (Procambarus acutus)
- Red Swamp Crayfish to Red Swamp Crawfish (Procambarus clarkii)
- Papershell Crayfish to Calico (“Papershell”) Crayfish (Orconectes immunis)
The Missouri Department of Conservation will file the proposed amendment with the Secretary of State’s Office (SOS) in late September. The proposed amendment will be published in the Missouri Register on November 1st, and a formal public comment period will be held from November 2nd until December 1st.
As always, public comments will be accepted through this web page, via telephone (573-522-4115 Ext. 3350), US Postal Service, (PO Box 180 Jefferson City, MO 65102), or email at Crayfish@mdc.mo.gov.
Again, we would like to thank you for your interest in this important topic. If you have any questions, please contact Public Involvement Coordinator Michele Baumer at 573-522-4115 Ext. 3350 or at Michele.Baumer@mdc.mo.gov.
