Disposition of illegal fishing devices; exercise of police power.

(1) In all cases of arrest and conviction for use of illegal nets or traps or fishing devices, as provided in this chapter, such illegal net, trap, or fishing device is declared to be a nuisance and shall be seized and carried before the court having jurisdiction of such offense and such court shall order such illegal trap, net, or fishing device forfeited to the commission immediately after trial and conviction of the person in whose possession they were found. When any illegal net, trap, or fishing device is found in the fresh waters of the state, and its owner is not known to the officer finding it, such officer shall immediately procure from the county court judge an order forfeiting such illegal net, trap, or fishing device to the commission. The commission may destroy such illegal net, trap, or fishing device, if in its judgment such net, trap, or fishing device is not of value in the work of the commission.

(2) When any nets, traps, or fishing devices are found being used illegally as provided in this chapter, the same shall be seized and forfeited to the commission as provided in this chapter.

(3) This section is necessary for the more efficient and proper enforcement of the statutes and laws of this state prohibiting the illegal use of nets, traps, or fishing devices and is a lawful exercise of the police power of the state for the protection of the public welfare, health, and safety of the people of the state. All the provisions of this section shall be liberally construed for the accomplishment of these purposes.