Section 870.10  Aquatic Life Approved Species List

a)         For the purposes of regulating aquaculture and the transportation, stocking, importation and/or possession of aquatic life specified in this Part, the Aquatic Life Approved Species List is established.  The Approved List is created and maintained by the Department and is comprised of specific species of aquatic life, within the categories of fish, crustaceans, gastropods, mollusks and plants.

b)         Any species not on the Approved List shall not be imported or possessed alive without a letter of authorization to import/possess those species.

c)         Copies of the Aquatic Life Approved Species List may be obtained free of charge by writing to:

Aquaculture Specialist

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Aquatic Nuisance Species and Aquaculture Program

One Natural Resources Way

Springfield IL  62702-1271

d)         The Aquaculture Advisory Committee shall review requests for letters of authorization to import/possess aquatic species not included on the Approved List, and recommend to the Division under what conditions species may be imported/possessed.  The Committee shall be composed of:

1)         The Chiefs of the following DNR Divisions:

A)        Fisheries (Chair);

B)        Wildlife;

C)        Natural Heritage;

D)        Law Enforcement.

2)         Should they agree to participate:

A)        The Chief of the Illinois Natural History Survey;

B)        The Aquaculture Coordinator, Department of Agriculture;

C)        The Director, Southern Illinois University Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences;

D)        The Chief, Division of Food, Drugs and Dairies, Department of Public Health.

e)         The Chief of the Division of Fisheries shall consider the recommendations of the Committee prior to rendering final decisions regarding requests for letters of authorization to import/possess species not included on the Approved List.  The Committee's recommendations and the decisions of the Chief shall be based upon the potential detriment to the natural fishery resource.

(Source:  Amended at 39 Ill. Reg. 10394, effective July 9, 2015)