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The New Arizona Game and Fish Rules and Regulations on Tilapia in Aquaponics and Aquaculture 2016

Just in (1-5-2015) the new Arizona Game and Fish Rules and Regulations on Tilapia for Aquaculture and Aquaponics. Click link below:

http://bit.ly/1INTGp5

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Timothy Borg on January 5, 2016 at 5:33am

Does this mean that if I have tilapia in my backyard that I need to reapply for a new license every 20 days?

Permalink Reply by Robert Rowe on January 5, 2016 at 8:14am

It looks to me like the stocking permit only applies to the introduction of added fish. A law must not be made retroactive?

Permalink Reply by Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr. on January 5, 2016 at 9:13am

Keep them questions coming. I will answer them as best I can. Dr. Fitzsimmons (U of Az aquaculture extension specialist) and I are seeking a meeting with G & F to discuss your concerns. Your questions below have been added to my list.

1. Reapplication. No that is only for the stocking permit. That means that if you wish to add tilapia to your system from an outside vendor, you need a stocking permit to do it. From the time the stocking permit is granted you have 20 days to get your fish in or you will have to reapply.

2. Retroactivity. I would read it the same way as you. But I will ask anyway.

Permalink Reply by Don Cole on January 5, 2016 at 10:20am

I read the below exerpt as meaning if you had your fish prior to Dec. 5th 2015 then you still need to get the permit. You dont need the disease free certification but they want to know you have them.

II. Individuals with the relevant Tilapia species used in backyard ponds, aquaponics, or for aquaculture that were in possession prior to December 5, 2015: a. An Aquatic Wildlife Stocking License must be obtained from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Disease free certification will be waived for the Tilapia currently in possession, but any future Tilapia that the individual wants to import, purchase, possess, transport, and/or stock must obtain a new Aquatic Wildlife Stocking License. The license is free and is valid for no more than 20 consecutive days. Fish must be from a facility certified to be free of diseases and causative agents, and the certification must be submitted with the license application (see I[a][i] above).

Permalink Reply by Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr. on January 5, 2016 at 11:31am

Don Cole you wrote: "You dont need the disease free certification but they want to know you have them."