Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Pond Boss NY DEC allows sale of farmed raised LMB for food

Now if they would drop the unnecessary testing of fish for diseases they don't even get to import them into New York that would be even better. (As in whirling disease for LMB and LMB virus for trout).

01/04/2013
NYFB Helps Fish Farmers Reel in Big Catch


Allowing hatchery-raised largemouth bass to be sold in New York fish markets and restaurants may be one of the most significant changes New York Farm Bureau has seen come downstream in years relating to the important aquaculture industry in the state. The new regulations just published by the Department of Environmental Conservation will prove to be a real economic boost for NY fish farmers who previously could only sell black bass intended for consumption out of state, seriously limiting their market potential. New York consumers will also benefit by being able to enjoy another great, locally grown product.


The DEC’s new regulations which became effective January 2nd, 2013, address food sales by requiring labeling of bass containers used for transportation, traceable record keeping by distributors, and requiring that bass being sold live in retail markets must be killed before being transferred to retail customers.

The regulations will also continue to protect the wild bass population, including smallmouth black bass, from finding their way into the marketplace, guaranteeing that sport fishermen will have access to an adequate supply of fish in the many streams, lakes and rivers in New York. NYFB worked closely with the NYS Aquaculture Association in advocating for the new regs. The wild bass populations are important to many of our Upstate communities through the tourism they provide, and NYFB supports DEC’s choice to protect the smallmouth bass while expanding farmer opportunities.

“We appreciate Commissioner Martens’ leadership and DEC’s hard work and willingness to recognize the importance of these changes to the state’s fish farmers who can now invest more into their businesses and hire new employees. These new regulations will also allow our members to give consumers what they want, locally sourced fresh fish raised in a responsible way while continuing to protect the wildlife populations,” said Dean Norton, President of New York Farm Bureau.

“We are all pleased to have these new regulations finalized. Growers across the state will be able to develop local markets for this new fish product and consumers will be able to enjoy fresh fish grown right here in New York State. These new regulations represent a new dawn of prosperity for all fish farmers in our great state. Soon, fish "Grown in New York State" will become a common phrase on restaurant menus and at food store fish counters everywhere. A big "Thank You" also goes out to the New York Farm Bureau for their tireless support and hard work these past few years making these new regulations a reality. Hats off to you New York Farm Bureau,” said Ted Universal, President of NYS Aquaculture Association.
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http://www.nyfb.org/resources/NYFB_Helps_Fish_Farmers_Reel_in_Big_Catch_573_resource.htm