§ 50-18-285 — Tampering, damaging, vandalizing, poisoning, or stealing of aquaculture products or facilities; penalties.

(A) No person may tamper with, damage, vandalize, poison, steal, or attempt to tamper with, damage, vandalize, poison, or steal the products or facilities utilized in aquaculture or aquaculture businesses of a person permitted, registered, or licensed under this chapter. (B) No person may cast or cause to be cast poison, impurities, or other substances that are injurious to aquatic species into the waters or water supply of any permitted or registered aquaculture facility. (C) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, for a first offense must be fined not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned for not less than thirty days nor more than one year. For a second or subsequent offense and, upon conviction, must be fined five thousand dollars, no part of which may be suspended, or imprisoned for one year, or both. Equipment, vessels, and vehicles used in a second or subsequent violation must be seized and forfeited to the department. (D) For any violation of this section in addition to other penalties, the person convicted must pay restitution to the victim as determined by the court.

Legislative History

HISTORY: 2003 Act No. 60, SECTION 1.