GA Native Fish

[Coryd55]

Honestly, I appreciate the strict regulations of the Georgia DNR on the keeping, collecting and holding of native species, but when you want to go catch some fish and keep them in your 240 gallon tank the VERY strict laws aren't your friend.

This is what the DNR website has to say about keeping Georgia native fish:
"All species of birds encountered in the wild in Georgia are protected by state and federal laws except English sparrows, European starlings, and pigeons. All species of fish native to the waters of this state are protected."

Here are the other regulations about native Georgia mammals, reptiles, and amphibians (birds are listed above):
http://www.georgiawildlife.com/node/1201

 

[WahooWillie]

You not reading far enough into the fishing regulations. Georgia is fortunate to be able to keep native fish for use in aquaria. What the above statement (''all fish are protected..'') is saying, is that fish are protected by regulations. Why would we even have a fishing season if all fish are protected? You wouldn't be able to eat that nice trout, or bluegill, etc if you just read 'all fish species are protected' and quit reading the manual.
This being said, as long as you abide by the fishing regulations, you are fine. Before jumping to conclusions, read up on the fishing regulations sections. Here it defines 'baitfish', 'sportfish', and the proper taking of these animals (e.g. proper license, proper gear (seine, net, hook and line, net mesh size) length limits, etc, etc.). Use proper and legal gear collect the proper fish. Also, be sure to know your ID's of your fish so that you do not take any protected species.

Let it be known, that laws should be read and interpreted on an individual basis. Forum members and MFK is not responsible for any illegal actions that forum members may partake in.