An Act To Prevent The Introduction Or Transfer Of Invasive Fish Species In Inland Waters Of The State

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Russell Black and 3 co-sponsors

Prohibits introduction or transfer of nonindigenous fish into Maine’s inland waters; empowers DIFW enforcement with penalties, protecting native species and recreational uses.

Signed by Governor

#fish #invasivespecies #nonindigenous

Summary — LD 1548: An Act To Prevent The Introduction Or Transfer Of Invasive Fish Species in Inland Waters of the State

Status: Signed by the Governor (enacted)
Introduced: April 10, 2025
Governor signed: June 17, 2025
Committee: Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Key procedural steps: Committee work session (5/5/25); OTP‑AM recommendation (5/5/25); Committee Amendment “A” (S‑312) adopted (6/9/25); Passed to be enacted (6/10/25).

Main purpose

LD 1548 is intended to reduce the risk that nonindigenous (invasive) fish species are introduced into or moved between Maine’s inland waters. The stated goal is to protect native fish populations, aquatic ecosystems, and the economic and recreational uses of inland waters by preventing establishment and spread of invasive fish.

Key provisions (based on bill title and legislative record)

The publicly available materials provided are limited to the bill title, legislative action history, and fiscal notes. The bill’s title and legislative context indicate it would, at a minimum:

Prohibit or restrict the introduction or transfer of nonindigenous/invasive fish species into inland waters of Maine.

Provide enforcement authority to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW) or other state enforcement agencies to carry out prohibitions.

Include penalties or fines for unlawful introductions/transfers (fines are referenced in the fiscal notes as generating minor additional revenue).

Allow for regulatory or administrative implementation by DIFW (rulemaking or guidance) to identify prohibited species and operational details.

Note: The text of Committee Amendment “A” (S‑312) was adopted prior to final passage; the specific amendment content is not included in the documents supplied here. For precise statutory language, consult the enrolled bill or the official legislative website.

Fiscal and procedural impacts

Fiscal note (approved 6/2/25 and 6/10/25) reports:

Minor General Fund cost increase.
Minor General Fund revenue increase from collected fines.
Minor revenue increase to Other Special Revenue Funds.

DIFW: Any additional costs to implement the bill are expected to be minor and absorbable within existing budgets.

Judicial/correctional: Minimal additional court workload; no additional funding required.

Overall financial impact is described as minor.

Who would be affected

Individuals and businesses that introduce, transport, sell, or stock live fish (e.g., anglers, bait dealers, aquaculture operators, private stocking activities).

Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (implementation and enforcement).

Law enforcement and the court system (minimal increased caseload from enforcement actions).

Recreational and commercial users of inland waters, indirectly, through improved protection of aquatic resources.

Next steps / Where to see the law

LD 1548 has been signed by the Governor and is enacted. For the exact legal requirements, prohibitions, penalties, and any exceptions or permit processes introduced by Committee Amendment A, consult the enrolled bill text or the published session law (available from the Maine Legislature’s website or DIFW).