Releasing Animals Into the Wild

June 3 2021

Q: A friend of mine told me that someone in our community purchased a Maine lobster and released it into the ocean in order to “save” the lobster. That would be illegal, right?

A: Yes, it would be illegal. California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 671.6 covers release of animals into the wild. Section 671.6(a) makes it unlawful to release any non-native species, including domestically reared stock, into the wild without permission from the California Fish and Game Commission.

Also see California Fish and Game Code section 6400, which prohibits the planting of any live fish, fresh or saltwater animal, or aquatic plant, into any state waterway without first securing permission and/or inspection by CDFW. FGC section 6401 states that there may be situations where planting of fish, animals or aquatic plants is lawful with a permit obtained from CDFW. These rare situations might include replenishment of fish populations—but again, a permit is required.

There are multiple reasons why releasing an animal into state waters without authorization—and this includes both fresh and saltwater environments—is dangerous:

1.   The release may harm the animal, as the receiving waters might not be ideal for its survival. 

2.   If it should survive and become established, the animal may act as an invasive species and harm native organisms and the surrounding ecosystem. 

3.   Introducing non-native species into new waters may also harm other native species as the non-natives may introduce parasites/diseases into the environment.

Anyone with information about an unauthorized release should call CDFW’s 24/7 CalTIP hotline at 888-334-2258.