Comment

Comment by David Schwinghamer on January 19, 2012 at 4:36pm

I notice Sylvia is the chairman of the APA, what would be the advantage to being a member there?

Comment by Local Roots Aquaponics on January 19, 2012 at 11:08am

This seems like a perfect issue for the new Aquaponics Association (APA) to address.  How many of us here are members?  If there are a lot of us perhaps we should ask the APA to look into this for us.

Comment by Sheri Schmeckpeper on January 19, 2012 at 7:25am

It makes more sense that it would be through the AZDA rather than the AZGFD. I understand their desire to track things, but to license every hobbiest doesn't seem reasonable or realistic. At $100/year they should be able to get rid of the national debt in no time. LOL!

The general form looks like its only for people doing this for profit, and is geared toward large commercial systems. They were last amended a decade ago so they don't account for the recent emergence of backyard systems. For water source, I guess I'd say, "hose." And my hatchery is a 70 gal tank. How funny, huh?

The transport license appears to be for selling to other licensed facilities. Again, it doesn't seem to address hobbyists. If this becomes an issue, we may need to contact our lawmakers.

Comment by Local Roots Aquaponics on January 19, 2012 at 1:22am

I'm afraid what Maynhia said before is true, though we were told that by the AZDA, not the AZGFD.  We were told that unless you are only keeping ornamental fish (e.g. koi & goldfish) that you don't intend to harvest, legally you must obtain an Aquaculture Facility License through the AZDA ($100/year), even for personal/non-commercial systems. They want to keep track of what fish are being raised out here (and the wastewater dumping, if any) and if the tanks are in flood plains in case there is a chance for waterway contamination.  The facility application and related forms are found here: http://www.azda.gov/Main/forms2.htm#Aqua  The application is easy and the processing time is fast, don't let it scare you.  Be sure to say that no waste is disposed as the aquaponic system is fully recirculating and you shouldn't have a problem (unless you live in a flood plain -- I think).  Indeed, we are not allowed to sell anyone fingerlings without first getting a copy of their facility license (we had to show one ourselves when we bought our first batch of catfish).  I would love to be proven wrong but this is what we have been told by someone at the AZDA. 

Comment by Mark on January 18, 2012 at 9:40pm

Tonight at rhibafarms I was told that they have to have a special license to sell the fish (that they don't have yet). I didn't listen in on the official tour as I had my three youngest kids with me and quarters were close.

Comment by Lynn Engel on January 18, 2012 at 7:25pm

According to the link on the Chino Valley website to his recommended resource under Arizona Reg. you only need a permit if you are buying from out of state. His source - backyardaquaphonics.com - has the rules for the states he has shipped to legally.

Comment by Sheri Schmeckpeper on January 18, 2012 at 7:10pm

Lynn, I wish those two words were in the ARS. :)  George knows his stuff, so I'm not going to stress over it.

Comment by Maynhia Stott on January 18, 2012 at 4:46pm

David, check with Jerry if you can buy fish without a license. When I took the tour they said they couldn't sell me any fish if I didn't have one.

Comment by Lynn Engel on January 18, 2012 at 4:40pm

Sheri, Dr. Brooks says the key words are aquarium and hobbyist. Home aquaphonics would be seen differently than commercial aquaculture. At least that was my interpretation at his class.

Comment by Lynn Engel on January 18, 2012 at 4:35pm

Dave, When are going to Chino Valley. Would interested in going with or paying you to bring some for me !!

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