29.984 Commercial fish protection surcharge.

(1) Levy of commercial fish protection surcharge.

(a) If a court imposes a fine or forfeiture under s. 29.971 for the unlawful killing, catching, taking, transporting, sale, or possession of Great Lakes fish in violation of s. 29.503, or of fish in violation of s. 29.514 or 29.519, or for failing to comply with any record-keeping requirement for fish in violation of s. 29.503, 29.514, or 29.519, the court may impose a commercial fish protection surcharge that equals the amount specified for the fish under par. (b) or (bg).

(b) Except as provided in par. (bg), the amount of the commercial fish protection surcharge shall be as follows:

1. For any commercial fish, as determined by the department, an amount equal to the average wholesale value of the fish on the date of the violation. The department shall determine the average wholesale value of the fish by determining the wholesale value of such fish purchased by 3 different wholesale fish dealers in this state on or about the date of the violation.

2. For salmon, trout, and noncommercial game fish, an amount equal to the amount specified in s. 29.983 (1) (b) 9. to 12.

(bg) For a fine imposed under s. 29.971 (1) (b) or (c), the amount of the commercial fish protection surcharge shall be an amount equal to 3 times the average wholesale value of the fish. The department shall determine the average wholesale value of the fish by averaging the price received by 3 different wholesale fish dealers in this state for that species of fish on or about the date of the violation.

(c) If a fine or forfeiture is suspended in whole or in part, the commercial fish protection surcharge shall be reduced in proportion to the suspension unless the court directs otherwise.

(e) If any deposit is made for an offense to which this section applies, the person making the deposit shall also deposit a sufficient amount to include the commercial fish protection surcharge required under this section. If the deposit is forfeited, the amount of the commercial fish protection surcharge shall be transmitted to the state treasurer under par. (f). If the deposit is returned, the commercial fish protection surcharge shall also be returned.

(f) The clerk of court shall collect and transmit to the county treasurer the commercial fish protection surcharge and other amounts required under s. 59.40 (2) (m). The county treasurer shall then make payment to the state treasurer as provided in s. 59.25 (3) (f) 2. The state treasurer shall deposit the amount of the commercial fish protection surcharge in the conservation fund.

(2) Use of commercial fish protection surcharge funds. All moneys collected from commercial fish protection surcharges shall be credited to the appropriation under s. 20.370 (1) (kr).

History: 2005 a. 288; 2017 a. 59.