The bill amends several sections of the Minnesota Statutes related to the importation, stocking, and transfer of fish eggs in aquaculture. Key changes include the introduction of new conditions for importing fish and eggs from nonemergency enzootic disease areas, specifically allowing the importation of trout, salmon, and catfish eggs from sources that test positive for certain pathogens, including Yersinia ruckeri and Renibacterium salmoninarum, provided they undergo approved treatment. Additionally, the bill specifies that fertilized eggs must have a disease-free history of at least five years for standard facilities, three years for containment facilities, and may have less than three years for quarantine facilities.

The bill also modifies the restrictions on the sale of fish, allowing exceptions for eggs and fish from sources that test positive for specific pathogens, as long as they are from licensed facilities or stocked in areas where the pathogens are present. The commissioner is granted authority to deny permits for releasing private aquatic life if it conflicts with public water management plans and must provide written reasons for any permit denials. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the management of aquatic life while addressing disease control in aquaculture practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 17.4986, 17.4987, 17.4992