The department shall select suitable locations within this state at which to establish and maintain fish-breeding establishments for the propagation and cultivation of whitefish, and such other kinds of food fish as the department may direct, for the purpose of stocking such fish and replenishing the supply of the fish in the inland and bordering waters of this state. All property owned or leased by the department shall be exempt from taxation so long as held and used for state purposes under this part. The department shall employ a competent person as superintendent of fisheries, whose duty it shall be to devote his or her entire time to gathering ova, hatching and planting, or distributing fish, and superintending generally the practical operations of the work.

    The department shall keep proper books of accounts and records of its transactions, and also of all operations and experiments in the discharge of the duties under this part.

     The department may take or cause to be taken any fish in any manner or at any time, for the purposes connected with the fish culture or with scientific observation. The department shall further discharge any duties required of it by law relating to the fishing interests or to enforce laws relating to the protection of fish and fisheries in this state.

     The unexpended balance of any appropriation to implement this part at the end of the year for which the appropriation is made shall be carried forward to the credit of the department, if the department certifies to the state treasurer that the money is needed for the purchase of additional grounds, for making permanent improvements upon any of its property, or for equipment or labor.

     In case appropriations by other states contiguous to the waters of this state are made, and a disposition for joint action with this state is expressed, the department, with the approval of the governor, may arrange for and carry into effect joint action for replenishing the supply of food fish in the contiguous waters.