Fines for violating the aquatic invasive species laws double - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

Fines for violating the aquatic invasive species laws will double

Posted:
By Stacy Brogan - email

St. Paul, MN (WXOW) - Civil fines for people caught violating the state's aquatic invasive species (AIS) laws will double on July 1, when new, tougher laws take effect.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says the larger fines should help people realize that this is serious problem.

Minnesota law prohibits the possession or transport of any AIS in the state. AIS include zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil and spiny waterfleas.


Earlier this month, DNR officials announced that the AIS violation rate among Minnesota boaters and anglers is at an unacceptable rate of 20 percent.

Starting July 1st, failure to remove a drain plug while transporting a watercraft will mean a $100 fine, instead of a $50 penalty. The fine for unlawfully possessing and transporting prohibited AIS will increase from $250 to $500.

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