Michigan DNR Adds Seven Aquatic Species to Prohibited List

Asian carp get a lot of attention in the Great Lakes region, but it is not the only aquatic species that poses a threat.

The Michigan DNR has added seven aquatic species to it's prohibited list bringing the total of prohibited or restricted aquatic species to 40.

Any species considered for listing as prohibited or restricted must be not native to Michigan. Prohibited species generally are not present or are in very limited areas, whereas restricted species are generally widespread and naturalized within the state.

Seven species were added and one species which was already on the list was changed from a prohibited species to a restricted species.

The following species were added to the prohibited species list:

• Stone moroko – part of the minnow family, this species is a known carrier of a parasite that can negatively impact other fishes.
• Zander – a close relative of the walleye, this species could compete with the native fish or reproduce with it and create a hybrid.
• Wels catfish – this fish is considered a serious danger to native fish populations.
• Killer shrimp – this species is an aggressive predator and could severely threaten the trophic levels of the Great Lakes by preying on a range of invertebrates.
• Yabby – this large crayfish would negatively impact other crayfish species.
• Golden mussel – similar to zebra and quagga mussels, this species has destructive qualities that would threaten native biodiversity.
• Red swamp crayfish – this species can quickly dominate waterbodies and is virtually impossible to eradicate.

Additionally, rusty crayfish were moved from prohibited to restricted classification to allow for their limited possession for the purpose of destroying them for consumption, fertilizer or trash. This species already is widespread throughout the state, yet regulations previously didn’t allow for the collection of them for consumptive purposes.

“Crayfish trapping is a growing activity in Michigan and allowing our anglers to enjoy some tablefare while assisting to remove an invasive species is a win/win,” said Nick Popoff, Aquatic Species and Regulatory Affairs manager for the DNR.