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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 4. Conservation And Natural Resources
Agency 15. Department of Wildlife Resources
Chapter 320. Fish: Fishing Generally
7/3/2025

4VAC15-320-60. Approval required to stock fish into inland waters.

A. It shall be unlawful to stock any species of fish into any inland waters of the Commonwealth without first obtaining written approval to do so from the department. Nothing in this section shall be construed as restricting the use of native and naturalized species of fish in privately-owned ponds and lakes, except spotted bass, blue catfish, and their hybrids may not be stocked.

B. The Department of Wildlife Resources (department) shall issue a written stocking authorization within 15 business days of receipt of a completed Virginia Fish Stocking Authorization Form, unless the department determines that granting such authorization may (i) endanger any native or naturalized population of fish; (ii) introduce, enable, or enhance the spread of fish diseases, including parasites; or (iii) establish nonnative or exotic aquatic species where such species may displace, threaten, or endanger native or naturalized species. Where an exception to issuance exists, the application shall be denied.

C. The department shall set an expiration date for each stocking authorization issued, limit the authorization to a specific species of fish, and geographically limit the stocking authorization.

D. The department is authorized to modify or revoke any stocking authorization where the department discovers any situation listed in subsection B of this section to exist or where otherwise permitted by law or regulation.

Statutory Authority

§§ 29.1-501 and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR325-03-1 § 6, eff. January 1, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 1995; Volume 31, Issue 9, eff. January 1, 2015; Volume 37, Issue 7, eff. January 1, 2021; Volume 39, Issue 9, eff. January 1, 2023.

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