Why All The Rules Over Raising A Few Fish?
The last post that we placed on this blog raised a few questions within the community along with a few heated words. For the most part I understand that most people are fed up with all the "can't do, do you have a permit and get all your ducks in a row first." It's a pain and none of us really like fines or the fact we feel our lives are governed by laws. Seriously, I understand these feelings too.
Pointing out to people that each State have their own rules and regulations about raising and keeping fish is a responsible thing to do, especially when you have a community of nearly 14,000 people on Facebook. (None of the people in our community are paid fans, promotional coupon joins or any other way to get likes on the page. Our community is made up of real people with all organic searches who have genuinely joined the page.)
At this point, I feel I have a responsibility to give people the correct information they need, to make informed decisions about keeping and raising fish in their state. I am certainly not here to tell anyone what they can or cannot do and that's definitely NOT the point with aquaponics fish.
Bacteria, Viruses and Parasites
There are different bacteria's, parasites and infectious diseases, regarding fish and farming. Mentioning these problems to people is also a responsible thing to do. (This month in the ASC Magazine we highlighted the EWS technology from OriginOil, which can help reduce these issues with aquaculture farms.) It is even possible that wild fish can contract diseases from other people flushing their poor dead goldfish down the toilet or releasing a fish into a local lake. If the fish were sick, that toilet flush could eventually cause the native species to become infected with bacterial problems.No-one says your fish will have any problems but what if you did buy some fingerlings that were sick would you know what to do to treat them? This is why it's a wise decision to check out the breeders credentials first.
NO...we are not trying to frighten you, we are only asking that you consider questioning your fish purchasing sources first. Many breeders have healthy clean fish and these are the people who are usually state board certified, BUT it will only take one under the table seller to make things difficult.
Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia is a deadly infectious fish disease. It afflicts over 50 species of freshwater and marine fish in several parts of the northern hemisphere. VHS is caused by the viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), different strains of which occur in different regions, and affect different species. This link will direct you to a PDF with more information about the infection.
In the end purchasing any fish for aquaponics, comes down to you.
It is your aquaponics system, your fish and your responsibility. We have provided what we feel was good researched information for you to take the next step and make better informed decisions.
We wish you many happy years in raising happy, healthy fish!
Warm Regards
Victoria
