HB 351 -- OFFICIAL STATE INVERTEBRATE

SPONSOR:  Wood

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Special
Committee on Tourism by a vote of 12 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 2008, FY 2009, and
FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that crayfish are among the most
common and important animals in Missouri's waterways.  Crayfish
are an important food source for Missouri's game fish.  Crayfish
are sensitive to water pollution and can be used to monitor the
cleanliness of our water supply.  They are found throughout
Missouri.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Wood; Karlie
Besendorfer; Andrea K. Studer; Bryanna N. Parham; Kayla J. Kozer;
and Janna Elfrink.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say that crayfish are a
keystone species that contribute greatly to our natural resources
and Missouri's economy.  They keep our waterways clean and are
also food for game fish found in Missouri, such as largemouth
bass.  Many children become familiar with crayfish when they
first start exploring nature, and this makes them a great
learning tool and ideal candidate for the official state
invertebrate.

Testifying on the bill was Department of Natural Resources.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:18 am