An Act to Prevent the Introduction or Transfer of Invasive Fish Species in Inland Waters of the State
Sponsored By: Russell J. Black (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Stricter penalties for illegal fish transport and stocking
You must have a permit to bring live fish or eggs into Maine. Violations are Class E crimes with $1,000 to $10,000 fines. A permit is also required to transport live fish taken in the State, except baitfish, Atlantic salmon used in commercial aquaculture, and smelts. Stocking inland waters or private ponds without a permit is a Class E crime, and the court must order you to repay the state’s cleanup and reclamation costs. A conviction for these stocking, import, or transport offenses brings a 10-year fishing license revocation (not for certain live bait or smelt cases under section 12509). Illegal possession of live fish can also lead to license suspension.
State stops regulating some salmon aquaculture
The agency cannot make rules or issue permits for Atlantic salmon used in commercial aquaculture in coastal waters or land-based facilities. It also cannot regulate permits or rules for the Atlantic salmon restoration program. This reduces department oversight and changes compliance duties for operators.
Towns get narrow permits to restock ponds
Local governments can get a limited permit to restock a great pond they oversee if the state stocked it before January 1, 2019 but stopped due to poor public access. The permit allows only the same species, requires buying fish or eggs from an in-state tested facility, and needs hand-carry boat access, parking, and signs. The local government pays for the fish or eggs.
Health certificate required to import live fish
Permit applications must include a statement from a certified fish health inspector, fish pathologist, or licensed accredited veterinarian. It must show the fish or eggs come from sources with no evidence of listed diseases like VHS, IPN, IHN, or Myxosomo cerebralis. This certification is required to get permits to introduce, import, transport, or possess fish or eggs.
No dumping live baitfish or smelts
The law bans disposing live baitfish or smelts into inland waters. A first offense is a civil fine of $100 to $500. If you have 3 or more prior civil violations in the last 5 years, a new violation is a Class E crime.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Russell J. Black
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
James Thorne
Republican • House
Richard Mason
Republican • House
Stephen Wood
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 343
6/17/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
6/11/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/10/2025HouseCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-312).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/9/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-312) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-312).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.
6/9/2025SenateThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/10/2025HouseCommittee on INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
4/10/2025Senate
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (S-312), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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