The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission has given the green light to several amendments during its recent one-day gathering. The commission's decisions at the meeting in the Ray Bell Building will set forth new guidelines affecting the commercial use of wildlife, rules surrounding fish farming, and equipment requirements on vessels, as reported by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
As part of the updates, a notable change has been the inclusion of additional fish species—specifically striped bass, crappie, and walleye and their hybrids—now permitted for import into Tennessee to be sold in markets and groceries. While these species are barred from harvest within Tennessee waters for commercial purposes, they can be legally caught or farmed outside the borders of the Volunteer State. In an unexpected twist, the commission also addressed taxonomic updates for fish species in farming, as per the recent shift by the American Fisheries Society, and implemented a new measure to prevent the import of wild caught catfish 34 inches and over for use in fish farming and catch-out operations.
Maritime safety equipment regulations have also been addressed. The commission has updated rules to align with the latest manufacturer labels for personal flotation devices (PFD) and fire extinguishers. It is important to note that current holders of devices with older labels need not worry; their equipment will still be compliant provided they maintain them in good condition.
In aid for clarity, the commission approved a new policy intended to define the criteria and process for naming wildlife management areas and other assets under the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's purview. The policy aims to establish "consistent principles, guidelines, and standards" for both honorific and monetary naming opportunities, as per the commission's recent session. Additionally, Commission Chairman Jimmy Granbery took steps forward by appointing committees focused on nominating the 2025-26 Commission officers and selecting a recipient for the annual Legacy Award, announcements for both are anticipated at the upcoming February meeting.
