The Collection of Aquatic Organisms: License and Permit Information for Educators and Scientists
As a number of watershed groups may be undertaking this type of program during their "May is Watershed Awareness Month" activities, and during monitoring studies at any time of the year, we thought we would make sure everyone was aware of the proper requirements for such. The basics are as follows:

"The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is charged under Commonwealth law with the protection and management of aquatic organisms and the places they live. A large part of this protection role is developing and enforcing laws and regulations. These regulations vary, but they include setting seasons, establishing minimum sizes and limits, regulating equipment use, and establishing licenses and permits...

What this means for educators, water quality monitors, and scientists is that if those collecting aquatic organisms for any reason are 16 years of age or older, they must have a valid fishing license. In addition, these activities must follow current Fish and Boat Commission regulations. Regulations protecting these organisms can be found in the Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws booklet available from the Fish and Boat Commission...

However, high school and undergraduate college students are exempt from the license requirement IF their teacher/educator applies for and is issued an Educational Aquatic Field Study Permit. The teacher leading the field study group must complete and submit a permit registration form to the PFBC. There is no charge. The leader(s) of the field study group must possess a valid PA fishing license. In addition, if sampling occurs in approved trout streams from the opening day of trout season to the first Saturday of May, the leader must also possess a valid trout & salmon stamp..."

For the full fact sheet, as well as links to permit applications, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and search for the key words "educational permit". Then select "The Collection of Aquatic Organisms in Pennsylvania" from the list of link choices.

- posted by frank cetera @ 11:22 AM