§ 4605 - Placing fish in waters; fish importation permits
§ 4605. Placing fish in waters; fish importation permits
(a) A person shall not introduce or attempt to introduce:
(1) pickerel or northern pike into any waters; or
(2) any fish, except trout or salmon, into any waters except private ponds lacking access to other waters of the state.
(b) A person shall not bring into the state for the purpose of planting or introducing, or to plant or introduce, into any of the inland or outlying waters of the state any live fish or the live spawn thereof, unless, upon application in writing therefor, the person obtains from the commissioner a permit so to do. The permit may include conditions which the commissioner finds necessary to guard the health of Vermont's fish population.
(c) The commissioner may, by rule, adopt a list of fish which, if introduced into Vermont waters, have the potential to cause harm to the fish population of the state. A person shall not possess or bring into the state any fish on the list unless the person has received a permit issued pursuant to this subsection. The commissioner may issue a permit allowing importation and possession of a fish on the list, provided the fish is to be kept in a controlled situation and used for a public purpose such as research or education. A permit issued under this subsection shall include conditions that ensure the health and safety of Vermont's fish population.
(d) Applicants shall pay a permit fee of $50.00. The commissioner or duly authorized agents, shall make such investigation and inspection of the fish as they may deem necessary and then the importation permit may be granted pursuant to regulations which the board shall prescribe. The commissioner or duly authorized agents shall make a determination on the permit within 10 days of receiving the application. The department may dispose of unlawfully imported fish as it may judge best, and the state may collect damages from the violator of this subsection for all expenses incurred.
(e) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the board, the commissioner or their duly authorized agents from bringing into the state for the purpose of planting, introducing, or stocking, or from planting, introducing, or stocking any fish in the state. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1981, No. 85, § 7; 1997, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 44, eff. Jan. 1, 1999; 2005, No. 42, § 2.)