Arkansas Import RegulationsLast updated April 10, 2021 ! Important Notice ! |
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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.