Arizona Administrative Code
Title 12 - NATURAL RESOURCES
Chapter 4 - GAME AND FISH COMMISSION
Article 9 - AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES
Section R12-4-902 - Aquatic Invasive Species; Prohibitions; Inspection, Decontamination Protocols

Universal Citation: AZ Admin Code R 12-4-902

Current through Register Vol. 30, No. 38, September 20, 2024

A. A person shall not, unless authorized under Article 4:

1. Possess, import, ship, or transport into or within this state an aquatic invasive species, unless authorized by the Director.

2. Sell, purchase, barter, or exchange in this state an aquatic invasive species.

3. Release an aquatic invasive species into waters or into any water treatment facility, water supply or water transportation facility, device or mechanism in this state.

B. Upon removing a watercraft, vehicle, conveyance, or equipment from any waters listed in Director's Order 2 and prior to transport, a person shall:

1. Remove all clinging materials such as plants, animals, and mud.

2. Remove all plugs and other valves or devices that prevent water drainage from all compartments that may retain water, such as ballast tanks, ballast bags, bilges, and ensure plugs or devices remain removed or open during transport.

3. If no plugs or barriers exist, take reasonable measures to drain or dry all compartments or spaces that may retain water. Reasonable measures include, but are not limited to, emptying bilges, application of absorbents, or ventilation.

C. Before transporting a watercraft, vehicle, conveyance, or equipment to any waters located within or bordering this state from waters or locations listed in Director's Order 2, a person shall comply with the mandatory conditions and protocols identified in Director's Order 3 for decontamination of water-craft, vehicles, conveyances, and equipment.

D. Department employees, certified agents, and Arizona peace officers authorized under A.R.S. § 17-104 may inspect a watercraft, vehicle, conveyance, or equipment for the purposes of determining compliance with A.R.S. Title 17, Chapter 2, Article 3.1 and this Section.

E. If the presence of an aquatic invasive species is documented or suspected on or in a watercraft, vehicle, conveyance, or equipment, a Department employee or any Arizona peace officer may order a person to decontaminate or cause to be decontaminated such watercraft, vehicle, conveyance, or equipment using the mandatory protocols described in Director's Order 3.

F. The following Director's Orders are available at any Department office and online at azgfd.gov:

1. Director's Order 1 - Listing of Aquatic Invasive Species for Arizona,

2. Director's Order 2 - Designation of Waters or Locations Where Listed Aquatic Invasive Species are Present, and

3. Director's Order 3 - Mandatory Conditions on the Movement of Watercraft, Vehicles, Conveyances, or Other Equipment from Listed Waters Where Aquatic Invasive Species are Present.

G. This Section does not apply to owners and operators exempt under A.R.S. § 17-255.04.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Arizona may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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