CHAPTER 87
MUSSEL REGULATIONS
[Prior to 12/31/86, Conservation Commission[290] Ch 12]
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 482.12.
[Filed 6/9/70]
[Filed 12/2/83, Notice 10/26/83—published 12/21/83, effective 2/1/84]
[Filed 4/4/86, Notice 12/4/85—published 4/23/86, effective 5/28/86]
[Filed emergency 7/10/86—published 7/30/86, effective 7/10/86]
[Filed 10/17/86, Notice 7/30/86—published 11/5/86, effective 1/1/87]
[Filed without Notice 12/12/86—published 12/31/86, effective 2/4/87]
[Filed 11/9/89, Notice 9/6/89—published 11/29/89, effective 4/1/90]
[Filed 4/12/91, Notice 2/6/91—published 5/1/91, effective 6/5/91]
[Filed 1/17/92, Notice 10/30/91—published 2/5/92, effective 4/1/92]
[Filed 2/21/97, Notice 11/6/96—published 3/12/97, effective 4/16/97]
[Filed 3/19/98, Notice 12/31/97—published 4/8/98, effective 5/13/98]1
[Filed 11/19/03, Notice 9/3/03—published 12/10/03, effective 1/14/04]
[Filed 11/16/05, Notice 8/31/05—published 12/7/05, effective 1/11/06]
[Filed 2/8/07, Notice 12/6/06—published 2/28/07, effective 4/4/07]
1	At its meeting held May 12, 1998, the Administrative Rules Review Committee delayed the effective date of May 13, 1998, until the adjournment of the 1999 Session of the General Assembly.