Why are some live crayfish illegal in Illinois?
CHICAGO — Summer is quickly approaching and while barbecues and cookouts are a seasonal staple, there is one fan favorite that could land you in some hot water.
On Wednesday, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) reminded the public that it is illegal to import and possess live red swamp crayfish, which are also known as crawfish, or Louisiana crawfish.
While the rule may seem oddly specific, IDNR officials say it was put in place in an effort to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species.
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The unwelcome crustaceans, which are often used for live crawfish boils or as bait by fishermen, are highly invasive and have the potential to harm the environment if released.
“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,” Illinois Conservation Police Officer Brandon Fehrenbacher, who oversees the IDNR Office of Law Enforcement Invasive Species Unit, said in a news release.
According to the IDNR, red swamp crayfish are known to burrow into the soil that surrounds dams, irrigation systems, and levees, which can eventually lead to severe structural damage.
Territorial red swamp crayfish are also known to destroy the nesting and nursery grounds of various aquatic species, compete with other fish and crayfish species for food and other resources, and prey on the eggs of other aquatic life.
Illinois is not the only state with a similar ban, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan all prevent the sale and possession or the crayfish for the same reasons.
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Residents or businesses who import, sell or possess live crawfish in Illinois could end up facing penalties that range from a fine of $195 to a Class 3 felony with fines and restitution reaching into the tens of thousands of dollars.
But don’t cancel that summer crawfish boil just yet, Illinois residents can order or import frozen or steamed crawfish without penalty.
A small handful of native crayfish species are approved by the IDNR. The four native species, which include White River crayfish, paper shell crayfish, northern crayfish, and devil crayfish are all legal to import and possess alive, but they are not often used by the food industry.
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