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Arkansas Import Regulations

Arkansas Import Regulations

Last updated April 10, 2021

! Important Notice !

Aquaculturists transporting or selling aquatic animals are responsible for following current regulations required by each state in which the activity occurs (selling or transporting) and are advised to contact state regulatory agencies responsible for permitting these activities.

State Aquaculture Regulatory Authorities   

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Fisheries Division
501-223-6428

Arkansas Agriculture Department, Aquaculture Division

NILIMA RENUKDAS, Ph.D.
Aquaculture Division Manager
#1 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
Phone: 501-823-1730
Email: nilima.renukdas@agriculture.arkansas.gov

State Fish Health Authorities / Laboratories

UAPB Fish Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
Aquaculture/Fisheries Center
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
1200 N. University Drive
Mail Slot 4912
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
Phone 1-870-575-8137

UAPB - Lake Village Fish Disease Laboratory
1652C Hwy 65 & 82
Lake Village, AR 71653
Office: 870-265-5440/2712
Fax: 870-265-2750

Lonoke Agricultural Center
Fish Health Diagnostic Services
P.O. Box 357
2001 Highway 70 East
Lonoke, AR 72086
Office: 501-676-3124
Fax: 501-676-7847

ASU – Newport
UAPB Fish Diagnostic Lab
7648 Victory Blvd
Newport, AR 72117

Aquaculture Industry Contacts

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Extension Specialists contact information:
ext-contacts.pdf

Catfish Farmers of Arkansas
2705 Michelle Dr.
Mena, AR 71953
(870) 672-1716
email:   cfarkansas@sbcglobal.net
website:  www.cfarkansas.com


Arkansas Bait and Ornamental Fish Growers Association
1131 Brownsville Loop
Lonoke, Arkansas 72086
501-676-2191

AR Development & Finance Authority
First Time Farmer Program
Chuck Cathey at 501-682-5906
ccathey@adfa.state.ar.us

Arkansas Fish Culture, Bait and Clam Regulations Summary

Aquaculture, baitfish, and freshwater clam regulations for Arkansas are primarily located in Sections 35, 32, and 31 of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Code of Regulations.  The live fish trade and baitfish regulations can be viewed here: live_fish_trade_and_baitfish_regulations_pamphlet_final_jan_2021.pdf

Live hauling of aquatic animals in/from the State of Arkansas

As of January 1, 2021, anyone entering Arkansas to pick up/drop off fish must possess a permit. Find the permit application here: live_fish_trade_application_2020_final.pdf  
This occurs even if you only stop at one farm to pick up fish and head back to your state - you still need the permit. This is outlined in section 35.01 (D) that states:

(D) Non-resident Fish Dealer/Independent Hauler - A non-resident who possesses this permit may sell, distribute, and/or transport farm-reared approved aquaculture species/eggs within and into the state from AGFC-approved fish farm sources and provide pond and aquaponics/hydroponics consulting, including non-resident pond consultants.

Baitfish Regulations

32.01  Commercial baitfish tackle license  

32.02  Fish dealer License

32.03  Exporting baitfish from public waters prohibited

32.04  Baitfish tackle restrictions

32.05  Taking baitfish immediately below dams prohibited

32.06  Taking baitfish for commercial purposes in certain waters prohibited

Fish Farmer Regulations

35.01  Fish farmer permit

35.02  Fish farmer sales records

35.03  Fish farmer bill of lading

35.04  Fish farmer tackle

35.05  Transportation or sale of white crappie prohibited

35.06  Rearing or propagating aquatic wildlife in confinement restricted  

35.07  Fishing in caged fish confinements prohibited

35.08  Operating lakes as a fish farm prohibited

35.09  Possession, rearing, propagation or sale of restricted and unlisted aquaculture species by fish farmers prohibited            

35.10 Paddlefish and sturgeon roe regulations

35.11  Viral Hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSv) fish import regulation

35.12  Permit required to possess silver carp, bighead carp, diploid black carp or European rudd

The Entire Arkansas Code can be accessed here.

Arkansas Approved Aquatic Species List

AquacultureCleanList.pdf

Standards for the Certification of Commercial Bait and Ornamental Fish

circular21Aquaculture.pdf