Illegal Introductions Can Have Very Serious Implications

Saturday, May 05, 2001
Headlines

This article was Archived on Monday, July 01, 2002

Illegally transporting live fish, including sculpins, or moving live fish from one body of water to another is a serious threat to the state’s fisheries. In 1995, Montana’s Legislature passed a law to increase FWP’s ability to prevent illegal introductions of fish. A person convicted of importing, moving or transplanting fish under this statute can be fined a minimum of $500 to more than $5,000 and imprisoned for up to one year. The individual is also responsible for the cost of eliminating or mitigating the effects of the violation and will lose hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for two years or more.

These violations are very serious. Illegally introduced fish may:

• compete with native or established fish;
• interbreed with native or established fish;
• carry and spread disease and parasites;
• alter habitats;
• raise management costs by requiring planting more or larger fish or even chemical rehabilitation to maintain or restore the fishery.

Whatever lakes or streams you visit, remember:

• DON’T move live fish or aquatic insects from one body of water to another for any reason.
• DON’T release aquarium fish into streams and lakes.
• DON’T release live baitfish into streams and lakes.
• DON’T use sculpins, either alive or dead, for bait.

The introduction of exotic fish species into Montana waters is a serious crime. If you witness such a crime, report it by calling 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668).