Permits may be granted by the Department to properly accredited individuals of the age of 18 years and older permitting the collection for strictly scientific purposes of any aquatic life protected under this Code, and their nests, eggs, and spawn.
The application for a permit for scientific purposes shall be subject to the approval of the Department.
The holder of each scientific collector's permit shall make reports to the Department as required.
515 ILCS 5/20-100