The executive director, with the approval of the commission, may grant permits to catch fish in any of the waters within or bordering on this Commonwealth at any season of the year and with any kind of nets or other devices without regard to size or possession limits to a person who possesses a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and is engaged in scientific or educational research or other collecting activities approved by the commission. The commission may establish a fee for the issuance of the permits. Permits issued under this section may be revoked, recalled or suspended at any time at the discretion of the commission. Persons permitted to take such species under this section shall make a report in writing to the executive director within 30 days after the expiration of the permit or conclusion of the survey or collecting activity. The commission may promulgate regulations governing the issuance of permits under this section and the activities of persons holding such permits. In issuing a permit, the commission may impose general and special permit conditions to govern the activities of persons holding such a permit. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 2907 (relating to expiration of licenses and permits), permits issued under this section shall expire on the date specified in the permit conditions or on December 31 of the year in which the permit is issued, whichever comes first. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 2908 (relating to penalties), any person who engages in fish collecting activities for which a permit is required under this section without first acquiring the necessary permit commits a summary offense of the first degree, and any person who violates any regulation promulgated under this section or any permit condition imposed under this section commits a summary offense of the third degree.

(Dec. 19, 1996, P.L.1454, No.185, eff. 60 days)