The Bigmouth Buffalo Fish is native to North America and to Minnesota. Some populations in Minnesota are comprised mainly (85-90%) of individuals more than 80 years old. Currently there is no limit on the number of these fish that are harvested in Minnesota. They are often hunted for sport by bow hunters who typically do not eat the fish. Because of the age of some of the populations, the ability of one bow angler to regularly harvest 20 fish per night suggests a complete collapse of these populations could happen very quickly.

The Bigmouth Buffalo Fish is a filter-feeder, using its very fine gill rakers to strain crustacean zooplankton from the water. Recently it was discovered that Bigmouth Buffalo Fish consume Zebra mussels during early stages in their life cycle. Zebra mussels are an invasive species that cause problems for native wildlife as well as clog municipal water intakes.

The Bigmouth Buffalo Fish also competes directly with invasive Asian carp for food. When Bigmouth Buffalo Fish population numbers are reduced, they make a body of water more susceptible to being inhabited by invasive filter feeders such as Asian carp.

The lack of younger Bigmouth Buffalo Fish in some areas suggests that this species needs more study before the population suffers a dramatic decline. These fish can live over 100 years of age and provide a crucial role in keeping habitats healthy.

This petition calls for the Minnesota DNR to:

1. Remove the Bigmouth Buffalo Fish from the Unprotected Fish Species category.

2. Temporarily limit the number of Bigmouth Buffalo Fish that may be taken. (With an exception for bodies of water that have documented populations that are both healthy and age diverse.)

3. Establish a reporting mechanism for bow fishers to report the number, size, location and date of Bigmouth Buffalo Fish caught. (Photo upload option.)

4. Study the Bigmouth Buffalo Fish to understand it's lack of successful procreation and propose potential mitigation remedies to it's native spawning habitats where needed.

5. Study the potential use of Bigmouth Buffalo Fish as a mitigation tool or bulwark against invasive species such as Asian carp and Zebra mussels.

Thank you for your help in protecting our vital water ecosystems.