Section 15007.

(a) In the waters of the Pacific Ocean that are regulated by this state, it is unlawful to spawn, incubate, or cultivate any species of finfish belonging to the family Salmonidae, transgenic fish species, or any exotic species of finfish. This section does not apply to salmon or steelhead trout reared from native California stocks that are propagated and cultured for either of the following:

(1) Research conducted by, or on behalf of, the department; or

(2) Release into ocean waters for the purpose of recovery, restoration, or enhancement of California's native salmon and steelhead trout populations pursuant to Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 6900) of Part 1 of Division 6.

(b) Nothing in this section authorizes artificial propagation, rearing, or stocking of transgenic freshwater and marine fishes, invertebrates, crustaceans, or mollusks.

(c) As used in this section, "transgenic" has the same meaning as in Section 1.92 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, as that section read on May 14, 2003.

(d) As used in this section, "exotic species" means a fish that is not native to California waters and that does not currently exist as a viable population in a wild condition in the state.

(Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 871, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)