Issue Update - Maine –
Legislation Would Classify Koi As Unrestricted Aquarium or Pond Fish
H.P. 567 directs the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife to amend Chapters 2 and 7 of its rules to add Koi (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus) to the list of unrestricted fish that do not require an importation or possession permit.
The bill does state, however, that any rules adopted by the Department must specify that the keeping of koi is allowed only in a closed aquarium or pond system.
For purposes of this section:
"Closed system" means a type of water system where the water is recirculated, no water is discharged into the environment and the wildlife or marine species held in the system cannot escape."
PIJAC Position:
Many aquarium hobbyists across the country enjoy keeping and raising koi in a responsible manner, and we applaud Maine for taking steps to allow their citizens to do so. We strongly support the passage of HP 567 and encourage Mainers to contact their legislators to express their support for this common-sense bill.
H.P. 567 has been referred to the Joint Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Committee where it awaits a committee hearing. Help spread the word on the Web!
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