Canyoncreek-
Here is the exact email contents I received:
"
Webmaster [DNR] <
[email protected]>
2:30 PM (21 hours ago)
to me
Dear Luke,
Thank you for using the Iowa DNR website. Iowa code prohibits any person to bring into the state of Iowa for the purpose of propagating or introducing, or to place or introduce into any of the inland or boundary waters of the state, any fish that are not native to such water, unless an application is first made in writing to the commission for a permit therefor and such permit granted. The DNR has issued permits to import Tilapia for aquaculture purposes and only in closed system which they could not escape from. Never has the DNR issued a permit to introduce Tilapia into the wild. Your pond would not be considered a closed system. If you have additional questions, you can contact your Fisheries biologist (Paul Sleeper) at 319-350-8399.
Please let me know if you have further questions or concerns."
I guess they must worry about tilapia becoming 'invasive', which is hokum (as I have learned from you all here) due to numerous issues, not withstanding the sub zero temps, et al. I was trying to avoid some chemical use, control the FA and provide some forage, all in one fell swoop. (That may have been a little pipe dreaming, but hey). Plus, my pond's outflow runs to a large field (not a creek/stream/body of water) and I've often lamented seeing fish and YOY fry washed into the grass. It's on my list to construct a 'catch basin' of some sort, to capture them and return them to the pond, vs just feeding the crows and eagles.
