IL HJR0141

Urges the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to develop protections for four native gar species: shortnose gar, longnose gar, spotted gar, and alligator gar, with particular emphasis on alligator gar protection.

Calls for site-specific size and creel limits based on reproductive maturity to protect breeding populations from overharvesting.

Requests DNR work with partners to expand and expedite alligator gar reintroduction to Illinois waterways to establish a sustainable trophy fishing resource.

Acknowledges that alligator gar was extirpated from Illinois but has been reintroduced through DNR efforts and that the species can help control Asian carp populations.

Notes that increasing popularity of gar fishing and consumption presents opportunities for improved fishery management and that research from Illinois universities demonstrates gar's ecological value.