Cecil -- I believe you too are an officer of your state's AA (Aquaculture Association).

A few years ago we could not legally pump sludge out of WV fish ponds onto our fields because it was considered hazardous waste handled by the Department of Environmental Protection, and others. Thanks to the efforts of several, fish manure is now in the same category as cow manure, and handled by State Department of Agriculture (farmers), rather than by the Dept. of Natural Resources (fish and game people -- game wardens), and others. We still have to deal with the environmental people -- but, I personally feel that is OK.

Through some very active members, we've made some major strides, along with cooperation in a few adjoining states.

Maybe it is time to organize a group of state AA officers into a national organization, those in the Great Lakes states, those of us east of the Mississippi, along the Mason-Dixon line, and to the Atlantic Coast.

As it now stands, I think I can sell you a fathead minnow or a creek chub, but you can't sell one to me without extensive costs.

I hope to have a multi-state meeting about this in January. Maybe we could include a tele-conference for those who cannot attend in person.

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