It is unlawful to introduce into the state or possess a prohibited level 1, level 2, or level 3 species except as provided in this section.

(1) Scientific research or display permit: The director may authorize, by prior written permit, a person to possess prohibited level 1, prohibited level 2, or prohibited level 3 species specimens for scientific research or display, provided that:

(a) Specimens are confined to a secure facility, defined as an enclosure that will prevent the escape or release of the prohibited species to include all stages of species development and body parts;

(b) Facility is not a natural watercourse, and is also inaccessible to wildlife or other animals that could transport prohibited species to include all stages of species development and body parts;

(c) Specimens are not transferred to any other facility without written approval by the director or designee;

(d) All zebra and quagga mussels are incinerated or chemically preserved at the conclusion of the project, and the enclosure, holding waters and all equipment are decontaminated. All other prohibited species must be killed at the conclusion of the project and either chemically preserved or disposed of in a landfill; and

(e) The permittee must provide an annual report to the department, no later than January 31st of the following year, on a form provided by the department, describing the number, size, and location of prohibited species enclosures and general nature of the research.

(2) Monitoring and control programs: The director may authorize persons working within the scope and supervision of a department-sponsored monitoring and control program to capture, possess and destroy prohibited level 1, prohibited level 2, or prohibited level 3 species specimens provided that:

(a) The persons have completed a mandatory training program and are certified by the department;

(b) The persons have a permit authorized by the director or designee in possession;

(c) All prohibited species are disposed of in accordance with the monitoring and control program; and

(d) Participants must submit a report to the department within thirty days of any monitoring or control activity in accordance with the specifications outlined in the monitoring and control program.