The Department shall take all measures necessary for the conservation, distribution, introduction, and restoration of aquatic life. After any investigation when it is found by the Director that there is imminent danger of loss of aquatic life, the Director may authorize the taking of aquatic life from any area and specify other reasonable limits, methods, and devices as the Director may deem advisable to salvage imperiled aquatic life. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to permit the Department to take action that hinders the operation of an electric generating station of an electric supplier as defined in the Electric Suppliers Act.
     The Department shall also bring or cause to be brought actions and proceedings, in the name and by the authority of the People of the State of Illinois, to enforce this Code, including administrative rules, and to recover any and all fines and penalties provided for. Nothing in this Code shall be construed to authorize the Department to change any penalty prescribed by law or to change the amount of license fees or the authority conferred by licenses prescribed by law. The Department is authorized to cooperate with the appropriate Departments of the federal government and other Departments or agencies of State government and educational institutions in conducting surveys, experiments, or work of joint interest or benefit.