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HomeFish and Game CodeDiv. 12Ch. 7§ 15600 Aquatic Species Import Permits

§ 15600 Aquatic Species Import Permits

Fish and Game Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 15600 Aquatic Species Import Permits

This law requires anyone who raises aquatic plants or animals to get written permission from the department before bringing live ones into the state, and it also restricts importing certain fish and roe into the Smith River watershed unless special conditions are met.

Key Takeaways

  • •Live aquatic plants or animals need written department approval before import.
  • •Importing certain anadromous fish or roe into the Smith River watershed is prohibited unless a pre‑1988 permit existed, except for approved research.
  • •Research institutions can receive permits for scientific or public health studies.

Example

A fish farmer wants to bring live trout from another state to grow in his pond.

He must obtain written approval from the department before the import, because the law says live aquatic animals cannot be imported without that permission.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 15600 Aquatic Species Import Permits

(a) No live aquatic plant or animal may be imported into this state by a registered aquaculturist without the prior written approval of the department pursuant to the regulations adopted by the commission. (b) The department shall not approve the importation of, or renew a permit to import, any anadromous fish or roe thereof listed in Section 2118 or the regulations adopted under Section 2118 into the Smith River watershed by a person unless that person had a permit or authorization approved before February 22, 1988. However, the department may issue or renew a permit for the importation of any anadromous fish or roe thereof specifically for research purposes conducted at any university, college, governmental research agency, or other bona fide scientific institution, as determined by the department, engaging in scientific or public health research. (Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 1467, Sec. 2. Effective September 28, 1988.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

live aquatic plant or animalregistered aquaculturistprior written approvalanadromous fishSmith River watershedresearch purposes

Related Statutes

  • § 15604 Smith River Fish Hatcheries
  • § 2271 Aquatic Species Import Approval
  • § 15601 Aquatic Species Import Approval
  • § 15605 Atlantic Salmon Import Exceptions
  • § 1700 Ocean Resource Conservation Policy

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Fish and Game Code. Section 15600.
View Official Source