Section 2-15-13. (For effective date, see note.) Unlawful possession of pacific white shrimp; confiscation of illegal products

   (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to have in his or her possession pacific white shrimp obtained from a pacific white shrimp aquaculturalist without a bona fide bill of sale or lading that provides the date of transaction, identifies the seller, and details at least two of the following three criteria for pacific white shrimp: number, weight, or average length.

(b) It shall be unlawful to sell pacific white shrimp produced by aquaculture which shrimp the department has determined to have diseases or parasites that would be harmful to native wildlife populations, including without limitation any viruses that may be latent in exotics but problematic if introduced into indigenous stocks.

(c) Wholesale fish dealers or retail fish dealers properly licensed under Title 27 may sell pacific white shrimp obtained from a pacific white shrimp aquaculturalist registered under this chapter.

(d) The Commissioner may by rule or regulation prohibit, condition, or limit the importation, possession, or sale in this state of pacific white shrimp where the same are found to be harmful to endemic wildlife populations or where the importation, possession, or sale might introduce or spread disease or parasites, including without limitation any viruses that may be latent in exotics but problematic if introduced into indigenous stocks. The Commissioner shall consult with the commissioner of natural resources to determine conditions and limitations regarding importing pacific white shrimp to protect endemic wildlife populations from disease, parasites, or other harm.

(e) Any pacific white shrimp in the postlarval stage obtained for growout must be free of disease.

(f) Employees or agents of the department shall confiscate any pacific white shrimp imported, purchased, or acquired by any person in violation of this Code section or any rule or regulation of the Commissioner adopted pursuant to this Code section.

Code 1981, § 2-15-13, enacted by Ga. L. 2004, p. 948, § 2-1.