12. Place where comments are to be submitted and deadline for submission:
Written comments may be submitted at the public hearings, by regular mail, fax or email to:
Meredith Penthorn
Department of Natural Resources
P.O Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707
608-316-0080
Section 1 NR 1.02 (4) (intro.) is renumbered NR 1.02 (4)(a).
Section 2 NR 1.02 (4) (b), (c) and (d) are created to read:
1.02 (4) (b) The department shall implement fish stocking strategies that recognize economic impact by species, provide opportunities to resident and non-resident anglers, and ensure that fish stocked are best suited to survive and thrive in the unique ecological conditions found throughout the state. These strategies shall be developed in coordination and consultation with private aquaculturists to ensure effective coordination and partnerships in protecting, sustaining and improving the genetic integrity of native, nonnative and self-sustained populations of fish of the species defined in s. NR 40.02 (30) within the state. (c) Preserving the genetic integrity of fish stocks that are documented and proven to survive and thrive in Wisconsin waters is a central goal of fisheries management in Wisconsin. All fish stocking in Wisconsin inland waters shall be authorized under a permit issued by the department and shall be conducted to maintain the genetic boundaries of fish best adapted to those waters. Stocking shall be considered an important restoration tool used to reestablish naturally reproducing populations and may not be conducted to the potential detriment of natural reproduction.
(d) In order to effectively meet statewide stocking goals, the department shall, on an annual basis, make available fish or fish eggs to private entities so they have access to the same genetic fish strains the state maintains in their hatchery system. This will provide additional resources and opportunities to ensure that statewide stocking needs are met through coordination and partnerships between the department and private entities.
Section 3 NR 1.985 is created to read:
1.985 Donation of live fish or fish eggs from a private fish farm. The department may accept gifts of live fish or fish eggs from a private fish farm located within Wisconsin if all of the following apply:
(1) The fish or fish eggs will be stocked into waters of the state accessible to the public for which stocking needs have not been met.
(2) The fish or fish eggs of the species to be stocked are of a compatible genetic strain to any existing native population of that species in the waters to be stocked.
(3) The fish or fish eggs are covered under a valid fish health certificate issued under s. ATCP 10.65. Section 4. Effective Date. This rule takes effect on the first day of the month following publication in the Wisconsin Administrative Register as provided in s. 227.22 (2) (intro.), Stats. Section 5. Board adoption. This rule was approved and adopted by the State of Wisconsin Natural Resources Board on June 26, 2019.
