Prohibited and Controlled Fish, Mollusks, and Crustaceans

Nonnative, introduced species (sometimes called "exotics") which are brought into Oregon for a variety of reasons are a major concern of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The reasons are numerous, but include the following potential problems:

• competition with native fish and wildlife species for food, cover and space,
• spread of diseases to native populations,
• destruction of the habitat of native species,
• predation (eating) on the eggs, young or even adults of native wildlife, and
• breeding with native species, affecting population genetics and the ability of a native species to compete and survive.

To increase the protection of Oregon’s native fish and wildlife, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission has adopted administrative rules addressing particularly worrisome species. These rules regulate human actions involving nonnative fish and wildlife (whether those actions involve trade in nonnative wildlife or interaction with nonnative species in the wild). The rules allow private use or ownership of nonnative species to the extent that they do not pose a significant risk of harm to native species.

Additional information on these species and the ODFW Wildlife Integrity Program

Contact: Rick Boatner, rick.j.boatner@odfw.oregon.gov

Relevant Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR)

635–056–0040
Requirements for Importation and Possession of Live Wildlife

For species, subspecies or hybrids listed as Prohibited or those species not yet classified, a permit will not be issued allowing the importation and possession of live wildlife, except to American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) accredited facilities, colleges, universities and those facilities which can demonstrate compliance with standards as provided in OAR 635–056–0050(2). For species, subspecies or hybrids listed as Controlled, an importation permit may be required as set forth by the commission. For species, subspecies or hybrids listed as Noncontrolled, no ODFW importation permit is required.

635–056–0050
Prohibited Species

(1) Except as otherwise provided in these rules or other rules of the commission, live wildlife listed below may not be imported, possessed, sold, purchased, exchanged or transported in the state:

635–056–0070
Controlled Species

At the time the commission categorizes a species, subspecies or hybrid as Controlled, it establishes rules necessary to protect native wildlife.

The details of these rules, or controls, can be found within the OAR referenced in the table below.