Advisory Service

The Sea Grant Law Center Advisory Service is a legal research service provided free of charge to the Sea Grant College Program and its constituents. The Law Center is prohibited from providing legal advice or becoming involved in litigation. The information provided by Law Center attorneys is intended for informational purposes only. Organizations requesting legal information should always seek independent, professional legal advice prior to taking action.

Recent Advisory Requests and Legal Research Results (Organized by Topic)
	Aquatic Species
	Can Minnesota legally ban the importation of minnows? Can Minnesota require persons travelling through the state to obtain permits? Can Minnesota charge non-residents more than residents to transport baitfish through the state or to export baitfish? May Wisconsin legally impose a reciprocal importation ban on Minnesota baitfish, while continuing to allow baitfish importation from other states? Response prepared by Josh Clemons, Research Counsel, in May 2004
	Fisheries Management
	Are there any legal barriers which would prevent commercial fishermen from taking tourists on their boats? Response prepared by Stephanie Showalter, Director, in May 2004. (PDF)
	Integrated Ocean Observing Systems
	Can federal agencies participate in groups that lobby Congress? Can federal agencies be members of a 501(c)(3) organization? Respons e prepared by Josh Clemons, Research Counsel, in July 2004. (PDF) What is the potential liability of Sea Grant from publication of Ocean Observing System (OOS) date on the web? Response prepared by Josh Clemons, Research Counsel, in May 2004. (PDF)
	Personal Liability
	What is the potential liability of shellfish farmers in Massachusetts for personal injury and animal entanglement? Response prepared by Stephanie Showalter, Director, in March 2004. (PDF)
	Personal Watercraft
	What arguments were put forth by the parties in the litigation over the National Park Service’s regulation of personal watercraft (e.g., Jet Skis, Sea-Doos) in areas the Service administers, including Gulf Islands National Seashore? Response prepared by Josh Clemons, Research Counsel, in May 2004. (PDF)
	Aquaculture
	Would California Assembly Bill 1805, introduced by Assembly Member Lloyd Levine, seeking to ban the possession, purchase or sale of farm-raised salmon in California to protect the marine environment and the health of California consumers, survive a court challenge if passed? Response prepared by Stephanie Showalter, Director, in May 2004. (PDF).