4VAC15-320-60. Approval required to stock fish into inland waters
Summary
The recommendation is to add rock bass and flathead catfish to the list of fish that cannot be stocked into private lakes and ponds.
Proposed Language
Note: In the “Proposed Language” document, underlined text denotes proposed new language, while text with a strikethrough denotes language that is proposed to be deleted.
Rationale
Both rock bass and flathead catfish are invasive species. Rock bass hybridize with Roanoke bass, a Species of Greatest Conservation Need that supports a small but important recreational fishery. Flathead catfish are highly invasive predators that are introduced illegally to create sport fishing opportunities. Adding both of these species to the “no stocking” provision will help curb the potential spread by making it unlawful to stock into private waterbodies.
Existing regulation prohibits the stocking of any fish into a river, stream or public lake without a stocking authorization from the Department.