The department may authorize commercial fishing studies, pursuant to s. 23.09(2) (h) and (k), Stats., that contribute to increased, useful scientific knowledge of fisheries management and that may include one or more participating commercial fishing licensees. The department may authorize a commercial fishing study to be conducted at a time, in a location, or using a gear type for which commercial fishing is otherwise restricted by department rules.
Wis. Admin. Code Department of Natural Resources NR 19.07
Nothing in this section precludes a commercial fishing licensee operating under s. 29.519(1m) or (4), 29.523(1), 29.526(1), 29.529, 29.531, or 29.533, Stats., and operating under the rules and regulations of chs. NR 20, 21, 22, or 25 from conducting independent research on their own commercial fishing practices and commercial harvest.