ARC 0276D

ARC 0276D

NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION[571]

Adopted and Filed

Rulemaking related to mussel regulations

    The Natural Resource Commission (Commission) hereby rescinds Chapter 87, “Mussel Regulations,” Iowa Administrative Code, and adopts a new Chapter 87 with the same title.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is adopted under the authority provided in Iowa Code sections 481A.38, 481A.39, 482.1 and 482.3.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code sections 481A.38, 481A.39, 482.1, 482.3 and 483A.28.

Purpose and Summary

    Chapter 87 regulates the taking and possession of mussels. Methods of take, open and closed locations and hours, possession limits, and licensing requirements are provided to ensure use of the resource in a sustainable manner. This chapter has been reviewed and edited consistent with Executive Order 10.

Public Comment and Changes to Rulemaking

    Notice of Intended Action for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on January 7, 2026, as ARC 9903C. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   January 28, 2026

     ?   February 4, 2026

    No one attended the public hearings. No public comments were received. No changes from the Notice have been made.

Adoption of Rulemaking

    This rulemaking was adopted by the Commission on April 9, 2026.

Fiscal Impact

     This rulemaking has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa.

Jobs Impact

    After analysis and review of this rulemaking, no impact on jobs has been found.

Waivers

    This rulemaking is subject to the waiver provisions of 571—Chapter 11. Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rulemaking would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the Commission for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any.

Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee

    The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee’s meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6).

Effective Date

    This rulemaking will become effective on June 17, 2026.

    The following rulemaking action is adopted:

    ITEM 1.  Rescind 571—Chapter 87 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:

CHAPTER 87

MUSSEL REGULATIONS

571—87.1(481A) Seasons, areas, methods, species, limits. The taking and possession of mussels from the public waters of the state shall be limited to the following regulations.

    87.1(1) Seasons. There shall be an open season for taking mussels throughout the year. The taking of mussels is restricted to the hours between sunrise and sunset.

    87.1(2) Species. Species other than those listed as threatened or endangered may be lawfully taken and possessed. Zebra mussels shall not be taken and possessed.

    87.1(3) Areas. Live mussels may be harvested only from the Mississippi River and connected backwaters. Dead mussels may be harvested from all waters of the state.

    87.1(4) Limits. The possession limit is 24 whole mussels or 48 shell halves. The sale of mussels or shells is not permitted. Licensed commercial fishers, licensed sport anglers, and children younger than 16 years of age may take and possess mussels.

    87.1(5) Methods. Mussels may be taken by hand, pole and line, diving, and crowfoot bar not to exceed 20 feet in length.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 481A.38, 481A.39, 482.1, 482.3 and 483A.28.

[Filed 4/17/26, effective 6/17/26]

[Published 5/13/26]

EDITOR’S NOTE: For replacement pages for IAC, see IAC Supplement 5/13/26.