To learn more or get involved in New Hampshire programs, check out these agencies and organizations that are actively involved in education and regulatory actions regarding aquatic nuisance species (ANS) in New Hampshire:

NH Fish and Game Department

The Fish and Game Department regulates fishing and importation and release of animals (vertebrates and invertebrates) in the state, including possession, transport, and use of ANS by anglers, bait dealers, and aquaculture producers.

NH Department of Environmental Services, Exotic Species Program

New Hampshire 's Exotic Aquatic Plant Species Program, authorized by RSA 487, focuses on submerged exotic aquatic plants. Funding for the program is through a state fee affixed to boat registrations.

Department of Safety, Marine Patrol Bureau

The Marine Patrol is responsible for enforcement of boating laws. They occasionally become involved in inspections for illegal plant transport on boats and trailers.

New Hampshire Lakes Association (NHLA)

The NHLA is a statewide, nonprofit, member-supported organization dedicated to protecting New Hampshire 's lakes, which are integral to the quality of life and economic health of the State. The NHLA serves as a source of information about lakes and lake issues through our educational materials and programs, and through our work with state legislators. They advocate on issues of water quality, boater education and boating safety, invasive species prevention, appropriate public access and a balance of lake uses.

Definitions

Importing and Releasing Wildlife (RSA 207:14)

Release of Fish (Fis 402.06)

Possession and Use of Live Fish for Bait (Fis 402.08)

Importation of Finfish for Bait (Fis 502.07)

Prohibited Species – Importation and Possession

Prohibited Species – Release (Fis 805.01)

Prohibited Aquatic Plant Species (RSA 487:16-a)

Exotic Aquatic Plant Prevention Program (RSA 487:26)

"Aquatic species" includes, but are not limited to, all fish, crustaceans, mollusks, invertebrates and aquatic plants that usually inhabit fresh water. (RSA 211:62-e)

“ Exotic species ” means wildlife that is non-indigenous (not naturally occurring or naturalized in New Hampshire ). (Fis 801.08)

“ Import ” means bringing or causing wildlife to be transported into the state by any means. (Fis 801.11)

“ Prohibited ” means the wildlife species or activity such as collection, importation, transportation, possession, sale, transfer of release of that wildlife is not allowed. (Fis 801.19)

“ Wildlife ” refers to all species of mammals, birds, fish, mollusks, crustaceans, amphibians, invertebrates, reptiles or their progeny or eggs which, whether raised in captivity or not, are normally found in a wild state. (RSA 207:1, XXXV)

No person shall import, possess, sell, exhibit, or release any live marine species or wildlife, or the eggs or progeny thereof, without first obtaining a permit from the NH Fish and Game Department's Executive Director.

No live fish shall be released in any waters of the state unless they shall be returned into the waters from where taken except as permitted by the executive director under a permit to release.

No person shall have live fish in their possession when leaving the freshwaters of the state, except those species allowed to be possessed and used as live fish for bait.

Only the following species shall be possessed and used as live fish for bait when fishing any freshwaters of the state:

Licensed bait dealers shall obtain the permit from the NH Fish and Game Department before importing any shipment or lot of baitfish from hatchery sources or wild stock. Such permits shall be issued to import only:

No baitfish shall be imported from states known to have waters infested with zebra mussels or from states which allow the import of baitfish from states infested with zebra mussels unless the source of baitfish is approved free of zebra mussels (Fis 502.09 and Fis 502.10).

No person shall be issued a permit to import (Fis 803.03) or possess (Fis 804.03) the following designated prohibited wildlife:

No person shall be issued a permit to release the following designated prohibited wildlife:

The sale, distribution, importation, purchase, propagation, transportation, or introduction of exotic aquatic weeds into the state is prohibited.

The following is a list of prohibited aquatic species in New Hampshire:

There is a grant program administered by the Department of Environmental Services for the allocation of money to state agencies, non-profit organizations, and municipalities or political subdivisions of the state which seek to administer a milfoil and other exotic aquatic plants prevention program, and to institutions of higher learning which seek to conduct research on milfoil and other exotic aquatic plants remediation techniques.

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