1. (A) Except bait lost incidental to fishing or fish released into the waters from which they were taken, it is unlawful to intentionally release any aquatic species, regardless of the stage of its life cycle, into the waters of this State without a permit from the department.
2. (B) It is unlawful to use any nonindigenous fish as bait that is not already established in the water body being fished except the following minnows: fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas), and goldfish, including "black salties" (Carassius auratus). Magistrates court retains concurrent jurisdiction of this offense.
3. (C) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars or up to thirty days in jail, or both. In addition to the criminal penalties, the court may order a civil penalty sufficient to cover costs for eradication.

HISTORY: 2012 Act No. 114, SECTION 5, eff July 1, 2012. SECTIONS 50-13-1660 to 50-13-1760. Omitted by 2012 Act No. 114, SECTION 5, eff July 1, 2012.

Editor's Note

Former SECTION 50-13-1660 was entitled "Searches, seizures, and forfeitures" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-695; 1952 Code SECTION 28-695; 1942 Code SECTION 1773-5; 1932 (37) 1480; 1952 (47) 2179; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263.

Former SECTION 50-13-1670 was entitled "Shipments of certain fish and fish eggs originating and terminating outside of the State" and was derived from 1962 Code SECTION 28-696; 1952 Code SECTION 28-696; 1942 Code SECTION 1773-5; 1932 (37) 1480; 1952 (47) 2179; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263.

Former SECTION 50-13-1760 was entitled "Sale of white perch; invoice required for imported fish; penalties" and was derived from 1981 Act No. 161, SECTION 1; 1982 Act No. 362, SECTION 1; 1991 Act No. 57, SECTION 3; 1993 Act No. 181, SECTION 1263; 1996 Act No. 236, SECTION 1.