29.736 Stocking of fish.

(1) In this section:

(a) “Fish" includes fish eggs.

(b) “Qualified inspector" means a veterinarian licensed under ch. 89 or a person who is qualified to provide evidence of fish health under s. 95.60 (4s) (c).

(c) “Waters of the state" does not include preexisting fish rearing facilities that are artificial bodies of water or self-contained fish rearing facilities.

(2)

(a) No person may introduce, stock or plant any fish in the waters of the state unless all of the following apply:

1. The person has a permit issued by the department.

2. The fish have been certified by a qualified inspector to meet the fish health standards and requirements promulgated under s. 95.60 (4s) (b).

3. The fish is not a species of lake sturgeon.

(b) A person applying for a permit under this section shall submit a written application to the department.

(c) This subsection does not apply to introduction, stocking or planting of fish by the department.

(3) The department may not introduce, stock or plant any fish in the waters of the state unless the fish have been certified by a qualified inspector to meet the fish health standards and requirements promulgated under s. 95.60 (4s) (b).

NOTE: Sub. (3) is shown as renumbered from sub. (3) (a) by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2.

(4) For the purposes of issuing permits under this section and for introducing, stocking or planting of fish by the department, the department:

(a) Shall accept the certification by a qualified inspector that the fish meet the fish health standards and requirements promulgated under s. 95.60 (4s) (b) and may not require that any additional testing, inspection or investigation be performed concerning the health of the fish.

(b) May regulate the species of fish, the number of fish and the sites where the fish will be introduced, planted or stocked.

(5) The requirement of being issued a permit under this section does not apply to civic organizations, organizations operating newspapers or television stations or promoters of sport shows when and in connection with publicly showing or exhibiting, giving demonstrations with or providing fishing of fish for periods of not to exceed 10 days if the fish are placed in a tank or an artificially constructed pond that is a self-contained body of water. Fish used for these purposes shall have been certified by a qualified inspector to meet the fish health standards and requirements promulgated under s. 95.60 (4s) (b).

History: 1997 a. 27, 237; 1997 a. 248 ss. 583, 584; Stats. 1997 s. 29.736; 2003 a. 136; 2015 a. 55; s. 13.92 (1) (bm) 2.