Fish
Stocking Permit
As of July 1, 2005, anyone interested in stocking inland, public fishing
waters (public freshwaters) with fish, mollusks or crustaceans must
obtain a stocking permit issued by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. The purpose of this new regulation is to protect native or legally established
aquatic species from the potentially damaging effects of unauthorized
stockings. On this page you will find:
- Frequently
Asked Questions regarding the stocking permit
- step-by-step
instructions to obtain a permit
- a
stocking permit application (pdf - opens new window. If possible,
complete application online before printing.)
- a
map of district fisheries biologists contacts (pdf
- opens new window)
If
you have any questions, please contact Diane Renzi at (919) 707-0226
or diane.renzi@ncwildlife.org.
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Frequently
Asked Questions
Why do I
need a permit to stock fish in inland, public fishing waters? Unregulated stockings
into public waters can have unintended, negative consequences, which
can alter the existing aquatic community permanently.
Stocked fish can:
- feed on eggs, fry
or adults of existing fishes;
- compete with existing
fishes for food and habitat;
- introduce diseases
and parasites;
- interbreed with existing
fishes, diluting the native gene pool;
- degrade habitat and
water quality.
Unfortunately, once established, stocked fishes are nearly impossible
to eradicate. Strategies to evaluate and manage the unintended impacts
of stocked fish are difficult to implement, often ineffective and costly.
Furthermore, the harm caused by introduced fishes is not limited to
the waters where they are introduced because these species inevitably
move downstream or are transferred to adjacent basins by anglers.
Why is the Wildlife Commission now requiring a stocking permit?
Over the last decade, unauthorized
fish stockings have increased dramatically. Improved transport techniques
and equipment readily available to the
public have made it easier for anglers to “improve” their
favorite fishing hole. Because the ecological impacts of stocked fish
are rarely reversible, the Wildlife Commission wants to be able to assess
on a case-by-case basis the impacts a proposed stocking may have on the
established fisheries. By requiring a stocking permit, the Wildlife Commission
will be able to evaluate individual stockings for impacts to the state’s
aquatic resources and to the people who participate in the many activities
related to those resources.
Who is responsible for applying for a stocking permit?
It is the responsibility of any person or group who wishes to stock
fish, mollusks or crustaceans into inland, public fishing waters to obtain
a permit. If a commercial facility provides the stocked fish, the individual
purchasing the fish is responsible for obtaining a permit. A copy of
the permit must be in possession of the individual who physically places
the fish into inland, public fishing waters.
How do I apply for a stocking permit?
- Before applying
for a permit, applicants are encouraged to contact the fisheries
biologist in their district to discuss the proposed stocking.
See the Districts Biologists Map (pdf - opens new
window) for contact information.
- Complete and
sign the Application (pdf - opens
new window) to Stock Fish in Inland, Public Fishing Waters of
North Carolina.
- Submit the signed
application to the fisheries biologist in the district in which
the body of water you’re interested
in stocking is located. See the Districts Biologists
Map (pdf - opens new
window) for contact
information.
Once I apply for a stocking permit, what happens next?
Upon receiving the application, the fisheries biologist in your district,
along with the regional and state fisheries personnel, will review the
proposed stocking and its potential impacts to the existing fish community,
other aquatic organisms, aquatic habitat and ongoing management activities.
Once a thorough review of the proposed stocking has been completed, the
chief of the Division of Inland Fisheries will send you a written response.
How long will it take the Wildlife Commission to review the permit application?
You should receive a written response within 60 days.
Is there a cost associated with applying for a permit?
There is no fee associated with the permit application review or issuance.
Is a permit required to stock a private pond?
No. By regulation, a private pond is a body of water arising within
and lying wholly upon the lands of a single owner or group of joint owners
or tenants in common, and from which fish cannot escape, and into which
fish of legal size cannot enter from public waters at any time. This
does not include any impoundment located on land owned by a public body
or governmental entity. A permit is required for waters defined as inland,
public fishing waters of North Carolina.
How do I know if I need a stocking permit?
For assistance in
determining if a permit is required for a specific body of water, contact
the fisheries biologists located in your district.
See the Districts Biologist Map (pdf - opens new
window) for contact information. |