According to the report “A Consumer’s Guide for Wisconsin Farm-Raised Fish,” jointly produced by the Wisconsin Aquaculture Association, University of Wisconsin-Extension, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility, aquaculture results in the sale of over $14 million in fish and minnows and contributes $21 million in economic activity to the state. Because these rules will provide additional flexibility to the aquaculture industry, these rules may benefit private aquaculturists, which could in turn increase the industry’s contribution to the state’s economy.
10. Effect on Small Business (initial regulatory flexibility analysis):
These rules may create additional opportunities for businesses in the aquaculture industry, which may generate beneficial economic impacts. For example, aquaculturists may gain access to unique wild genetics through cooperative agreements with the department, and public and private partnerships to produce fish may be created. The department has met with the representatives of the aquaculture industry and state-licensed commercial fishing representatives and has held public meetings to consider policies and regulations relating to these rules.
The rules will not have an economic impact on recreational angling, though recreational anglers may indirectly benefit from new partnerships for stocking fish into waters of the state.
The rule will not impose new compliance or reporting requirements or design or operational standards.
The department will develop a preliminary economic impact analysis and hold a comment period pursuant to Governor’s Executive Order 50, Section IV, in winter 2018. Fiscal impacts on the department will also be summarized in this analysis.
12. Place where comments are to be submitted and deadline for submission:
Written comments may be submitted at the public hearings, by regular mail, fax or email to:
Meredith Penthorn
Department of Natural Resources
P.O Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707
608-316-0080
Hearing dates and the comment submission deadline are to be determined.
Section 1 NR 1.02 (4) (a), (b) and (c) are created to read:
1.02 (4) (a) The department shall establish clear policies related to stocking in order to protect the genetic integrity of native fish populations and nonnative, self-sustained populations of fish of the species defined in s. NR 40.02 (30) within the state. (b) Preserving the genetic integrity of fish population is a central goal of fisheries management in Wisconsin. All fish stocking in Wisconsin inland waters shall be conducted so that natural genetic boundaries are maintained. Stocking shall be considered an important restoration tool used to reestablish naturally reproducing populations and may not be conducted to the potential detriment of natural reproduction.
(c) In order to effectively meet statewide goals, the department may develop collaborative relationships with other private and public entities that stock fish into waterbodies of the state. These relationships may include provisions for the state to provide surplus fish or fish eggs to these entities to ensure that fish being stocked into waters of the state meet statewide genetics management goals.
Section 2 NR 1.985 is created to read:
1.985 Donation of live fish or fish eggs from a private fish farm. Pursuant to the policies established in s. NR 1.02, the department may accept gifts of live fish or fish eggs from a private fish farm located within Wisconsin if: (1) The fish or fish eggs will be stocked into waters of the state accessible to the public for which stocking needs have not been met.
(2) The fish or fish eggs of the species to be stocked are of a compatible genetic strain to the native population of that species in the waters to be stocked.
(3) The fish or fish eggs are covered under a valid fish health certificate issued under s. ATCP 10.65. Section 3. Effective Date. This rule takes effect upon publication in the Wisconsin Administrative Register as provided in s. 227.22 (2) (intro.), Stats. Section 4. Board adoption. This rule was approved and adopted by the State of Wisconsin Natural Resources Board on [DATE].
