Division of Aquatic Resources

A bill passed by the 2022 State Legislature banning the use of drones for fishing was signed into law by Gov. Ige June 27, 2022 and took effect immediately. Act 207 (SB2065) prohibits the possession or use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) on, in, or near state marine waters for purposes of fishing, unless permitted by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. However, drones may still be used for the purpose of simple reconnaissance. The Department will need to go through the administrative rulemaking process to implement the drone fishing permit before permits can be issued.