The General Assembly finds that: (1) It is the policy of this State to conserve species of fish for human enjoyment, for scientific purposes, and to insure their perpetuation as viable components of their ecosystems; (2) Species of fish normally occurring within the State which may be found to be threatened or endangered within the State should be accorded the protection necessary to maintain and enhance their numbers; (3) The State should assist in the protection of species of fish which are determined to be “threatened” or “endangered” elsewhere pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973,¹ 87 Stat. 884, by prohibiting the taking, possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale, offer for sale, or shipment within this State of endangered species and by carefully regulating these activities with regard to the threatened species. Exceptions to these prohibitions, for the purpose of enhancing the conservation of these species, may be permitted as set forth in this subtitle.