Live crayfish purchases could lead to felony charges for Illinois citizens
(KBSI) – Live crayfish purchases could lead to major consequences or even jail time for Illinois citizens.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reminds the public and seafood distributers that importing and owning red swamp crayfish is against the law in the state of Illinois. Red swamp crayfish are also known as crawfish or Louisiana crawfish.
“Red swamp crayfish compete aggressively with native species for food and habitat, and they’ve been known to cause structural damage to property. In fact, they are considered one of the most invasive species of crayfish in the world,” said Illinois Conservation Police Officer Brandon Fehrenbacher, who oversees the IDNR Office of Law Enforcement Invasive Species Unit. “These crayfish spread by escaping from live crawfish boils and from fishermen illegally using them as bait.”
Red swamp crayfish or Louisianna crawfish destroy nesting and nursing grounds of aquatic species, eat the eggs of aquatic life and burrow into the soil around dams and irrigation systems causing severe damage.
If caught buying or owning live crayfish penalties and fines range from a petty offense with a fine of $195 to a Class 3 felony with fines and restitution totaling tens of thousands of dollars.
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, if you choose to purchase crayfish they must be frozen or steamed beforehand. Live crayfish purchases are also illegal in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan.
