The Act Part 5: Miscellaneous Section 35 – Unauthorised introduction of fish into inland waters
75.This section repeals section 24 of the 2003 Act (which prohibited the introduction of salmon into inland waters without appropriate consent) and introduces a new section 33A into the 2003 Act. Subsection (1) of inserted section 33A creates an offence of intentionally introducing any live fish or live spawn of fish into inland waters, and subsection (2) an offence of possession of live fish or live spawn of fish with the intention of introducing it into inland waters. The offences do not apply to introduction into the waters of a fish farm (subsection (3)(a)) or where the Scottish Ministers or, in the case of salmon, the relevant District Salmon Fishery Board have consented in writing. An offence under subsection (1) or (2) is punishable on summary conviction by a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale (presently equivalent to £1000).