DEM FILES EMERGENCY REGULATIONS BANNING THE IMPORTATION, SALE AND USE OF GOLDFISH AS BAIT IN THE STATE'S FRESH WATERS

PROVIDENCE -- The Department of Environmental Management today filed emergency regulations prohibiting the use as bait, of any variety of goldfish in the fresh waters of the state. The emergency regulations also prohibit the importation, sale, or possession of any variety of goldfish for use as bait in the state's fresh waters, including a variety that is being marketed as "Black Salty" baitfish. Massachusetts, California and Florida have already acted to prohibit the use of Black Salty goldfish in the fresh waters of their respective states.

The entire species of goldfish are invasive, exotic fish that are not native to the United States. According to DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife, goldfish are detrimental to the state's fresh water aquatic habitats because they deplete aquatic vegetation that provides food and cover for native fish; they carry diseases that are highly infectious and can be transferred to other freshwater and native fish species; and they can occupy a wide variety of habitats, out competing native fish by their aggressive behavior and reproductive capabilities. In addition, goldfish are known to prey on the larvae of native fish, and they can acquire a preference for feeding upon amphibian eggs.

Goldfish may continue to be used as bait in salt water. The emergency regulations do not have an impact on water gardeners.

The emergency regulations are effective for 120 days, while permanent regulations, subject to public comment, are drafted and reviewed.