FAIRMONT – A proposed measure by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to place harvest limits on native rough fish is drawing concern and disagreement from local officials and fishermen.

While six types of fish are included, the bigmouth and smallmouth buffalo are the ones of concern in Martin County lakes. Currently, they can be caught in unlimited quantities, but this change would limit daily fishing and possession to 30.

Non-native rough fish, such as the common carp, are not included and can continue to be caught in unlimited quantities. A distinction was made between the native and non-native rough fish by state statute in 2024.

DNR Fisheries, Populations and Regulations Manager Shannon Fisher said concerns regarding native fish had begun appearing in recent years.

“We have some concerns, based on some data that we have,” he said. “Changing perceptions and changing use of these species that unlimited may not be sustainable for the long term, and so we are looking to make some changes.”

Fisher said the change will include some exemptions to allow current practices to continue for businesses.

“None of the changes would impact commercial harvest,” he said. “I know I’ve gotten some concerns from some people down in the Fairmont area that it would shut down the potential for commercial harvest of species like buffalo. That’s not the case. Commercial harvest will remain operational as it always has been.”

This is of special concern to people like Hand’s Fish Seining Owner Jim Hand. Seining uses a large net with floats on top and weights on the bottom to encircle and catch fish. The business has been around since 1919, and has been used to help keep carp and buffalo down in problem areas such as Fox Lake.

In speaking with different officials at the DNR, Hand said he has received mixed signals on what his business will be able to do if this change is passed. Because of this, there is caution about what the future holds.

“You just have the faith you’re going to keep doing what you can do, get along with everybody,” he said. “I’m 63, and I want to go, if I can, until I’m 70. I’ve just put a lot of investment and everything too. You’re sitting here wondering, ‘Do I put $200,000 into a new building that I have to have, when you’re not even sure that you’re going to get your license the next year?'”

If this change goes into effect and he is not exempt, Hand said he will have no choice but to stop altogether. Currently, there’s only a market for buffalo, so even with carp remaining unlimited, Hand would not be able to continue seining.

Fairmont Lakes Foundation Board Member Matt Moore said in his discussions with other fishermen and community members, the consensus is pretty clear.

“I don’t know of anyone that’s in favor of it in our local area here,” he said.

If it did have to go through, Moore is hoping that less stringent limits will be considered.

“It sounds to me like there are some lakes in northern Minnesota where the buffalo fish has maybe been overfished,” he said. “I could understand if they wanted to put some rules in place in those areas and those lakes, you know, to make sure a fish doesn’t go extinct or get removed totally from a natural environment. That is not the case in Fairmont or in southern Minnesota.”

The limit is different between southern and northern Minnesota, with northern Minnesota potentially having its daily and possession limit changed to just 5.

Currently, there is an open comment period, set to stay open until 4:30 p.m. on March 12. Fisher said the DNR has received feedback from all angles so far and will take people’s input into account as they move forward.

“The proposal that’s out there is exactly it, it’s a proposal,” he said. “We are gathering information. We will take that into consideration when we get to the end of our public comment period on the 12th. There is an opportunity for people to request a public hearing. If we get more than 50 requests for a hearing, then it would go to an administrative law judge hearing. Then we make a decision. We try to balance the science we have with the public opinions we receive. We move forward with something that we feel is the best option.”

If this change or a similar proposal is approved, it would go into effect March 1, 2027. To submit a comment, email fisheries.rulemaking.comments.dnr@state.mn.us, call 651-259-5235, or mail to Fisheries Rules and Regulations Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, at 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155.