(1) Subject to subsection (2), a person shall not take from any of the inland waters of this state any fish in any manner for the purpose of fish culture or scientific investigation without first obtaining a permit from the department, except that a person who is operating a private fish pond may take fish from his or her own pond for the purpose of propagation, scientific investigation, or sale under part 459.

  (2) The department may issue permits to possess live game fish in public or private ponds, pools, or aquariums under rules and regulations as the department prescribes. This subsection is subject to subsection (5).

  (3) The department may cause to be taken from the inland waters of this state any species of fish for the purpose of obtaining spawn for fish culture or scientific investigation or for the protection of the inland waters from ecological damage or imbalance. In addition, the department may cause to be taken from the inland waters of this state species of fish that are not required to maintain the fishery resources of the inland waters. All fish taken under this subsection shall be taken under the supervision of a deputy of the department appointed for that purpose and in a manner consistent with the regulations of the department of agriculture and rural development, and the fish may be sold or transferred by the department.

  (4) A person shall not import or bring any live game fish, including viable eggs of any game fish, from outside of this state except under a permit from the department or under part 459 and the rules promulgated under that part. A person shall not plant any spawn, fry, or fish of any kind in any of the public waters of this state or any other waters under the jurisdiction of this state without first obtaining a permit from the department that states the species, number, and approximate size or age of the spawn, fry, or fish to be planted and the name and location of the waters where the spawn, fry, or fish shall be planted. A permit is not required to plant spawn, fry, or fish furnished by the federal or state government. This subsection is subject to subsection (5).

  (5) A permit under subsection (2) or (4) does not include a genetically engineered variant of a fish species identified in the permit unless the genetically engineered variant is specifically identified in the permit. A permit under subsection (2) or (4) may be limited to a genetically engineered fish.

  (6) A permittee under this section shall exhibit the permit upon the request of any law enforcement officer.