Committee advances bill to update fish‑egg import and aquaculture rules, DNR testifies changes align with region

Senator Kupak introduced senate file 4332 on March 25 to update regulations governing the import, stocking and transfer of fish eggs used in aquaculture. The committee adopted a technical A1 amendment and voted to recommend the bill to the Senate floor.

Dr. Isaiah Tolo, who identified himself as fish health supervisor at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and chair of the Great Lakes Fish Health Committee, testified in support. Tolo said the bill covers fish eggs that are intended for stocking and other production purposes and that the requested changes are "simple updates to existing fish production practices," aligning Minnesota with other states' use of egg disinfection protocols.

"These changes will continue to protect Minnesota fisheries while making it easier for state and other producers to safely produce fish and improve fisheries in the state," Dr. Tolo said. He told the committee that the DNR and the Department of Agriculture had reviewed the bill and that he knew of no opposition in Minnesota or the larger Great Lakes region.

After testimony there were no substantive questions, and the committee approved sending the file as amended to the floor by voice vote.