(A) The department may grant permits to collect freshwater fish for scientific purposes during any time of the year and on any area including sanctuaries without further review. The application must be accompanied by the requisite fee. The department shall investigate the applicant and the need for the permit. A permit is valid until December thirty-first in the year in which issued. A permit must be extended for one year with payment of the fee. A permit is not transferable but a student assistant working under the direct supervision of the permittee is covered by the permit. All collecting must be done in accordance with recognized scientific methods. Data and results must be made available to the department upon request. The conditions of the permit must be adhered to. The department may suspend or cancel the permit at its discretion.

(B) A person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for up to thirty days, or both.