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?

�That boy, I say, that boy's about as sharp as a bowling ball�