§318.  Taking fish for scientific or educational purposes; permits

A.  The department may take fish of any kind when, where, and in such manner as may be deemed necessary for scientific or educational purposes and for propagation and distribution.  The department shall have the authority to regulate or prohibit, by rule in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, the importation or introduction of live fish or fish eggs of any kind in public or private waters of the state.  

B.  No person shall introduce into the state any live fish or fish eggs without a permit issued by the department; provided, however, that the department shall have the authority to regulate or prohibit, by rule in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, the importation or introduction of goldfish and aquarium fish into the state.  

C.  The secretary may issue permits to any persons to take fish for scientific or educational purposes or for propagation or for distribution.  The prohibition against the taking of fish by means of any device not specially permitted in this Subpart under the legal size limits provided in this Subpart during any closed season or closed zones designated by the department does not apply to such persons if, in the opinion of the department, the fish are necessary for scientific or educational purposes or for propagation or distribution to other waters of the state.  These permits may be revoked at any time if abused.  

Acts 1974, No. 223, §1.  Amended by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1; Acts 1990, No. 196, §1.