Advocates for wetlands are seeking changes in a Wisconsin bill that would help fish farmers.
The Republican-backed measure would make several changes for the aquaculture industry. One of the most controversial would be to exempt fish farmers from having to consider alternatives that minimize harm to wetlands, when potential new operators seek a permit to dump soil.
Erin O’Brien, with the Wisconsin Wetlands Association, said there’s no need to involve fish farmers in wetlands preservation.
News with a little more humanity
WPR’s “Wisconsin Today” newsletter keeps you connected to the state you love without feeling overwhelmed. No paywall. No agenda. No corporate filter.
“We think in those cases there’s good examples in the state of where aquaculture has been sited outside of wetlands, and if that’s possible, we shouldn’t be creating provisions in law that encourage construction in wetlands,” O’Brien said.
The Wetlands Association has sent a three-page list of requests to the main author of the bill, state Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst. Tiffany said last month that his measure is good, common-sense reform.
The measure is slated for a legislative hearing in Madison on Tuesday.
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2026, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
