Wild Fish Law and Legal Definition
According to 7 USCS § 1638 (title 7 Agriculture; chapter 38 Distribution and Marketing of Agricultural Products; Country of Origin Labeling), “wild fish” is defined as naturally-born or hatchery-raised fish and shellfish harvested in the wild. The term "wild fish" includes a fillet, steak, nugget, and any other flesh from wild fish or shellfish. This however, excludes net-pen aquacultural or other farm-raised fish.”
Wild fish have been an integral part of the economic, cultural, and ecological fabric of the Northwest for thousands of years. Unfortunately, over the last several decades, native fish have declined across the region. Many Northwest wild-fish populations face the threat of extinction today. Since 1991 the U.S. government has listed 27 populations of native "salmon", "trout", and "char" as threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act.
Wild Fish Conservancy(WFC), a non-profit conservation organization, is dedicated to the recovery and conservation of the region’s wild-fish ecosystems. WFC promotes technically and socially responsible habitat, hatchery and harvest management to better sustain the region’s wild-fish heritage. Through science, education, and advocacy, Wild Fish Conservancy promotes technically and socially responsible habitat, fisheries, and hatchery management to better sustain the region’s wild-fish heritage.
Legal Definition list
Related Legal Terms
- Anadromous Fish
- Anadromous Fish Conservation Act
- Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
- Authorized Representative [Wildlife and Fisheries]
- Candidate Conservation Agreement [Wildlife Law]
- Candidate Conservation Agreement With Assurances [Wildlife Law]
- Central, Western, and South Pacific Fisheries Development Act
- Charter Fishing
- Coastal Fishery Management Plan
- Coastal Fishery Resource
