Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Corrective stocking Tilapia in North Carolina

I have followed all the regulations here in NC. I called the Wildlife Resources Commission to ask what I needed to do in order to raise tilapia legally. They said I needed a permit to possess and raise tilapia. I applied and was granted one. The permit very clearly says the fish must be in a closed system (indoor tank culture) and also says I am not allowed to put the fish in my pond.

Here is where I get confused. First, they insist on Nile Tilapia, which could never survive winter here in a pond anyway. Second, I have studied the NC Wildlife Administrative Codes word by word, and can find no mention of tilapia. I did find the Administrative Code that addresses fish species that are illegal to possess/stock/release, and there is still no mention of tilapia.

So, how can they prohibit me from putting tilapia in my pond if there is no law on the books?

They might have a blanket statement someplace stating it is ileagal to release non native fish into open water ways.

That's what I thought too. But even after a second and third look through all the regs, I find nothing to prevent someone from stocking tilapia.

There is a list of 21 fish that are illegal to possess, but tilapia is not one of them. There is a requirement to obtain a permit to stock fish in all "inland fishing waters", but inland fishing waters are defined as all inland waters except private ponds.

Why not just call them again and ask where it is written. A little confrontational, but keeps them honest don't it.

Swamp, I imagine the NC Wildlife codes are like most states, "Restrictive". This means only legal things are specifically addressed, and anything NOT mentioned, is illegal.


Excerpt from the NC Wildlife.org home page....

General Sales: As a general rule wildlife, in whole or in part, may not be bought or sold in North Carolina although the law does make some exceptions. This broad prohibition is set out in N.C.G.S. §113-129 as follows:

"Except as specifically permitted in this subchapter or in rules made under the authority of this subchapter, no person may take, possess, buy, sell or transport any wildlife, whether dead or alive in whole or in part. Nor may any person take, possess, buy, sell or transport any nests or eggs of wild birds except as so permitted. No person may take, possess, buy, sell or transport any wildlife resource in violation of the rules of the Wildlife Resources Commission.

Rain, you are probably right. Wildlife officers have an incredible amount of authority. They are they only law enforcement officers who can search your person and your belongings with no warrant and no articulable suspicion that you have committed a crime. All while enforcing laws that are simultaneously minutely detailed and hopelessly vague.