§20-2-64. Regulating release of fish, water animal and other aquatic organisms; stocking permit.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to release any fish, water animal or other aquatic organism, alive or dead, or any part, nest or egg thereof into the waters of this state except as authorized by a stocking permit issued by the director: Provided, That nothing in this subsection shall be construed as restricting the release of fish, water animal or other aquatic organism into the waters of this state from which they were taken by lawful methods: Provided, however, That nothing in this subsection shall be construed as restricting the release of native or established species of fish in privately owned ponds.

(b) A stocking permit is not required for the stocking of trout in waters of the state provided that the trout originate from a source within the state or meet the disease free certification requirements for imported salmondiae set forth in section thirteen of this article.

(c) A stocking permit is not required for the stocking of black bass provided that the division of natural resources is notified prior to stocking and is provided a disease free certification.

Note: WV Code updated with legislation passed through the 2012 1st Special Session