Dept. of Natural Resources: Public hearings provide opportunity to provide feedback for proposed aquaculture rule

MADISON – Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources staff will host a public hearing to collect feedback regarding a permanent rule pertaining to aquaculture Monday, March 18.

The proposed aquaculture rule states that the department aims to maintain the natural genetic boundaries of native and stocked fish populations, and that fish stocking activities are meant to restore or enhance naturally reproducing fish populations and should not interfere with natural reproduction. If this permanent rule is approved, DNR staff will implement a policy to accept donations of live fish or fish eggs from private partners to contribute to stocking efforts in waters with public access. This policy will provide continued quality fishing opportunities to the people of the state

The aquaculture rule meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 18 at the Fitchburg DNR Service Center, 3911 Fish Hatchery Road.

Written comments will be accepted through March 18. For more information regarding the aquaculture rule, contact Meredith Penthorn, DNR fisheries policy specialist, or visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords “proposed permanent rules.”