Why It's Important To Know The Regulations
Most of us do not like regulations or paying for licenses and yearly fees. I totally get that because it is a pet peeve for me too. However when it comes to buying, keeping and selling of fish with aquaponics there are good reasons why everyone needs to understand the state laws.
Because Aquaponics is a fairly new way to grow produce and proteins together there are a lot of regulation loopholes at this time. Some people will take advantage of this to make a quick dollar while jeopardizing the safety of others.
This month the ASC Magazine started a series of articles about raising fish in aquaponics, what types of fish and state regulations. ASC contributing writer Adam Cohen (who is also Vice Chairman and Director of Education of the Aquaponics Association) started the series off, with the state laws in Texas. Click here to read more about the article:
One of the things the Aquaponics Association does, is to help people with the education process regarding aquaponics. Being a part of the Aquaponics Association also tells other people that you understand these state requirements and will follow the rules.
One of the things the Aquaponics Association does, is to help people with the education process regarding aquaponics. Being a part of the Aquaponics Association also tells other people that you understand these state requirements and will follow the rules.
There are people on the internet who will tell you that you can raise fish, sell fingerlings and make lots of money in the process. That's not exactly true, especially if the issue of state permits and regulations is never mentioned or just lightly touched upon. What will eventually happen to other breeders who do follow the regulations, is that loosely worded behavior like this, will result in serious clamp downs on everyone else involved in the aquaponics industry.
Before anyone considers buying fish, you need to find out if your state will even allow you to keep certain species at your home or place of business. Find out what the permitting restrictions are first or what species of fish you can keep. The link we are providing, has the phone numbers and addresses for every state from the US Fish and Wildlife service. CLICK HERE
Before anyone considers buying fish, you need to find out if your state will even allow you to keep certain species at your home or place of business. Find out what the permitting restrictions are first or what species of fish you can keep. The link we are providing, has the phone numbers and addresses for every state from the US Fish and Wildlife service. CLICK HERE
Tilapia Are Considered An Exotic Species.
Many USA states have strict guidelines you have to follow first before you can keep and raise them. In countries like Australia you cannot even handle them. It is against the law.
Important Information You Should Know First
Some internet sites like Craiglist and Pennysavers have people openly selling fingerlings to the public. This is perfectly legal if the breeder is State Certified and carries the special permits to do so.
BEFORE YOU BUY ANY FISH you must find out about the breeder and their permits first. The first time YOU are caught transporting live fish from an illegal breeder, the responsibility is placed back on you! Huge fines or even considerable jail time could result. Additional felonies could be imposed, if the fish you are transporting are infected with bacteria. Therefore you will need to know if there are any parasites, bacteria or other infectious problems with the fish you are buying off the breeder. Check the breeders credentials first with the state or see if there are any complaints filed against the seller.
The biggest concern which the wildlife services have, is releasing some of these introduced species back into USA lakes and streams. Tilapia are prolific breeders and if released into natural waterways, they could quickly take over some of the native species of the local areas. For Tilapia this applies mostly to the warmer waters in the southern states but Tilapia can reach sexual maturity very quickly, so there is a possibility of the young finding their way around.
I would like to mention that the laws apply for different fish species which can also be used in aquaponics systems and not just Tilapia.
These rules and regulations have already been set up from each state around the USA. We are not here to tell you what to do but rather point out there are laws. Here are just some of the state regulations below:
Indiana Laws: Click on this link
Texas Law: Click on this link
Iowa Law: Click on this link
Maine Law: Click on this link
Minnesota Law: Click on this link
Wisconsin Law: Click on this link
Tennessee Law: Click on this link
North Carolina: Click on this link
Colorado: Click on this link
The illegal introduction of any fish into any Maine water is a Class E crime, punishable by fines of up to $10,000. That's a lot of money even if you were not aware of doing something wrong. So before you think you are getting a good deal off someone with 100 fingerlings, that good deal could quickly go sour if you end up with fines or even doing time. All of these headaches for transporting and harboring illegal species, can simply be avoided by doing your homework first!
I have also mentioned these legal requirements in the back of my book the "Essential Fish Care In Aquaponics" because I believe this is very important information for people to know first.
Lesson: Buyer beware! (Caveat emptor)
Warm Regards
Victoria
