Any California iNatters familiar with aquatic organism permitting?

Hey all

A question came in via the MacroBlitz Google classroom about permits required to collect, photograph and return freshwater invertebrates in California. Does this fall under the Inland Fisheries SCP or - because participants are not actually taking or possessing invert specimens for a reference collection - is there a different authorization?

And yes, of course, I am absolutely recommending that the California Department of Wildlife be consulted. Here’s the thing: sometimes in cases that are in-between, not clearly one thing or another, there is a range of guidance, even from the authorizing body. I’m just trying to figure out what the different guidance might be.

I got a second hand report that observing freshwater aquatic macroinvertebrates in California does require a scientific collecting permit. You can read the most current collecting permitting guidance here https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=161426&inline

I did see mention that the CA Department of Fish and Game is revising the permit process so please check the website for the latest requirements.

1 Like