What is the purpose of this permit?
This permit is required to transfer live fish products within the state. The purpose is to protect our native fish species and ensure that: (1) Live finfish being brought into Washington State are free from reportable fish pathogens. (2) Aquatic Invasive Species do not get shipped with the desired fish species. (3) No fish that could compromise natural populates are being released into waters of the State.
Who issues this permit?
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)
Where can I get the application for this permit?
The application is called '
Fish Transport Application/Permit' is online and can be accessed at
https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/fishing/fish-stocking-transport.
How long will it take to review my application?
Up to 30 days from the time the application is received. If fish health or virology testing results are required for the approval of an application more time may be required.
Where do I submit my application?
Applications can be submitted by emailing a scanned copy to:
Todd.Kassler@dfw.wa.gov.
Applications can also be mailed to:
WDFW Fish Transport Permits
6th floor NRB
600 Capitol Way N.
Olympia, WA 98501
Permit Timeliness Results
Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.
All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:
Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 7.8Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 40Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 11.5Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 43(Summary results based on 268 submittals in 2023)
Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL:
https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/fishing/fish-stocking-transportHelpdesk phone: (360) 902-2681
Subject matter expert phone: (360) 902-2667
Subject matter expert email:
John.Thomas@dfw.wa.gov