HB 1833 -- OFFICIAL STATE INVERTEBRATE

SPONSOR:  Wood

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Tourism by a vote of 13 to 0.

This bill designates the crayfish, also known as the crawfish or
crawdad, as the official state invertebrate.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and
FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the crayfish is found in all
Missouri counties and the rivers, lakes, and creeks of this
state.  Crayfish are among the largest and most important
invertebrates in Missouri's waterways and are also an important
source of food for many of Missouri's sport fish, including the
smallmouth bass and the goggle-eye.  Missouri should be proud of
the crayfish and by designating it as the official state
invertebrate will encourage Missourians to learn more about it.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Wood; Janna Elfrink,
Reeds Spring Intermediate School; and Andrea Studer, Cody
Bassett, Kylie Bassham, and Austin Selby, Reeds Spring
Intermediate School students.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say that 10% of all
crayfish species can be found in Missouri.  They are very
important to nature and the food chain and are called a "keystone
species" because if they disappear, nature would suffer a great
loss.

Others testifying on the bill was Department of Conservation.

Alice Hurley, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:44 am