AL HB15

Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall issue a permit for municipalities or private fishing/conservation entities to introduce black bass into the Coosa River when all specified requirements are met.

Black bass must be obtained from a state-approved fish hatchery and limited to Northern Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides salmoides), Florida Bass (Micropterus salmoides floridanus), or first-generation offspring of these two subspecies.

Applicant municipalities or private entities must bear all costs associated with purchasing, transporting, and introducing the black bass.

Commissioner may deny permits based on environmental, pathogenic, biological factors, or public health and welfare concerns, and may issue permits for other black bass subspecies when determined appropriate for the fishery.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall adopt rules to implement the section; act becomes effective June 1, 2024.