Skip to main content

Indiana Import Regulations

Last updated  February 9th, 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

Indiana Board of Animal Health:

Dr. Jennifer A Strasser,
DVM District I Field Veterinarian
Aquaculture Director
Indiana State Board of Animal Health Indianapolis, Indiana
jstrasser@boah.in.gov  
(574) 274-3244 Cell
(317) 544-2400 Main Office
(317) 974-2011 Fax

Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

Randy Lang
Statewide Hatcheries Supervisor
Cikana State Fish Hatchery
2650 State Road 44
Martinsville, IN 46151
rlang@dnr.in.gov  
765-342-5527 Office
765-346-3421 Cell
765-349-1692 Fax 

State Fish Health Authorities / Laboratories

ADDL-West Lafayette
406 S. University
West Lafayette, IN 47907
Phone: 765-494-7440
Fax: 765-494-9181

Aquaculture Industry Contacts

Indiana Aquaculture Association (website)
Phil Shambach, President
764-237-7022
 

Indiana Commercial Fish Suppliers Directory

Purdue Extension:

Campus Staff:
Dr. Kwamena Quagrainie
Purdue University
403 W. State St.
West Lafayette, IN 47907
Tel: (765) 494-4200 / 494-4761; Fax: (765) 494-9176
kquagrai@purdue.edu

Bob Rode
Purdue University
5675 W 600 N
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Tel: 765-583-0351
Fax: 765-583-2490
Cell: 765-418-5509
rrode@purdue.edu

Soy Aquaculture Alliance
Bridget Owen, Executive Director
317-495-4361
bowen@soyaquaalliance.com

Indiana Posted Rules and Regulations Summary

Ref: 312IAC 9-10-14 Fish hauler and supplier permit, IAC 9-10-15 Fish importation permit, IAC 9-10-17 Aquaculture permit, IC 14-22-16 Bait Dealer’s License.

Aquaculture guidelines and permit forms for importation of live fish into the State of Indiana are available at the following links:
PERMITS AND COMMERCIAL LICENSES
COMMERCIAL FISH SUPPLIERS

To summarize, live aquatic animal importation authorization is divided between both the State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Importation of live fish of VHS susceptible species plus all salmonids from Great Lake States (IL, MI, MN, NY, OH, PA, WI), Ontario or Quebec

          a) Aquaculture Pre-Entry Permit from BOAH,

          b) Indiana Fish Hauler and Supplier Permit obtained from the INDNR.

Aquaculture Pre-Entry Permit requirements:
Aquaculture Pre-Entry Permits under this issuance require: i.) a copy of a valid Fish Health Inspection Report or Fish Health Certification for each lot imported, and ii.) the following statement from the competent authority for aquatic animal health: “Representative samples were collected in accordance with OIE / AFS Blue Book (specify one) specifications and laboratory testing of these samples for VHS was also performed in compliance with OIE / AFS Blue Book (specify one) specifications.” In general, these standards require either 60 fish sample from the lot to be shipped annually, or 150 fish farm lot certification 2 times per year (check with State Veterinary Authority)

 Fish health tests:
          1. VHS for species listed on APHIS VHS susceptible species list
          2. 3- year hatchery certification for VHS, IPN and Whirling Disease for salmonids
          3. Heterosporis for yellow perch, muskellunge, northern pike and walleye form MI, WI, MN

Importation of live fish from a state outside of the Great Lakes do not require an Aquaculture Pre-Entry Permit if they are listed as an approved species in 312 IAC 9-10-15. These species do, however, require a Fish Haulers and Suppliers Permit obtained from INDNR. Species of brown trout, hybrid striped bass, rainbow trout, tiger muskellunge and tilapia (not on the approved species list in 312 IAC 9-10-15), may also be imported and sold with a Fish Haulers and Suppliers Permit. For a list of approved species and for additional information go to BOAH Commercial Fish Suppliers and the Fish Importation link on that page.

Fish Health Requirements:
Salmonids from non-Great Lake States: 3-year hatchery certification for VHS, IHN, PKD, BF, BKD, ER, IPN and Whirling Disease

Importation, taking and/or selling of live minnows and crayfish in the State requires a Bait Dealer’s License obtained from INDNR. Importation of baitfish from a Great Lake state, listed on the APHIS VHS susceptible species list also requires a Pre-Entry permit from BOAH.

Grass Carp:

A grass carp permit is required from INDNR. Grass carp importation, holding and sales restrictions exist and are limited to specific conditions for di-ploids and tri-ploids only per IAC 9-10-17 Aquaculture permit. Restrictions can be reviewed at: PERMITS AND COMMERCIAL LICENSES
Link: "Aquaculture Permit (including grass carp)"/Regulations.

Fish for the aquarium trade – no permit required but prohibited species may apply.

Indiana State Board of Animal Health:

Indiana Aquaculture Pre-Entry (Fish Import) applications for VHS


See “Aquaculture Pre-Entry Permit (BOAH)” at: PERMITS AND COMMERCIAL LICENSES

A Pre-Entry permit can be obtained online or by calling BOAH toll free at: 877-747-3038, extension 310.

  • BOAH Import Requirements for any fish listed on the USDA APHIS VHS Susceptible Species List imported from a Great Lake state:

              Negative test for viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS)

  • Negative tests for VHS must be obtained on 60 fish samples from a lot size of 2000 or more*, (annually) according to AFS-FHS Bluebook standards
    OR
  • Negative tests for VHS must be obtained on 150 fish samples from the facility if the facility contains 100,000 fish or more*, (twice annually) according to OIE standards

             Biosecurity protocol in place at the facility of origin:
             BOAH Pre-Entry Permit must be completed and submitted at least two weeks before proposed date of movement with all required documentation

             Required statement from competent authority from state of origin:
            “Representative samples were collected in accordance with OIE / AFS Blue Book (specify one) specifications and laboratory testing of these samples for VHS was also performed in    compliance with OIE / AFS Blue Book (specify one) specifications.”

            * Contact BOAH for specific numbers if the lot or farm contains fewer fish than the listed numbers, or for more information. A valid Pre-Entry Permit must be in possession of the hauler while the fish are being transported.

BOAH Entry Requirements:
Fish Susceptible to VHS

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) issues entry permits for all aquaculture species on the viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) strain IVb (VHS IVb) susceptible species list imported into the state. This species list has been updated to reflect current science about the disease.

VHS IVb Susceptible Species List (August 2021) Added species in bold italics. 

Black crappie, bluegill, bluntnose minnow, brown bullhead, chinook salmon, emerald shiner, fathead minnow, freshwater drum, American gizzard shad, lake ciscolake trout, lake whitefish, largemouth bass, muskellunge, northern pike, pumpkinseed, rainbow trout, rock bass, round goby, smallmouth bass, spottail shiner, striped bass, walleye, white bass, white perch, yellow perch

Beginning January 1, 2022, added species will be required to have an entry permit issued by BOAH. 

Species removed from the list include: brown trout, burbot, channel catfish, shorthead redhorse, silver redhorse, and trout perch. Beginning January 1, 2022, these species will NOT need an entry permit.

Entry Permit 

A BOAH Pre-Entry Permit Application must be completed and submitted to BOAH at least 3 regular business days in advance of the proposed date of movement with all required documentation. This application is available online: www.in.gov/boah/species-information/aquaculture/

·Pre-entry Permit (PDF)

·Fish Destination Report (PDF)

Testing:

Testing is only required for viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) susceptible species. Susceptible species must test negative for viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) IF originating from the Great Lakes states and provinces: Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Ontario, and Quebec.

Negative tests for VHS must be obtained on 60 fish samples from a lot size of 2000 or more*, (annually) according to AFS-FHS Bluebook standard.

-OR-

Negative tests for VHS must be obtained on 150 fish samples from the facility if the facility, contains 100,000 fish or more*, (twice annually) according to OIE standards

*Contact BOAH for specific numbers, if the lot or farm contains fewer fish than the listed totals, or for more information. A valid Pre-Entry Permit must be in possession of the hauler while the fish are being transported.

Vaccination:

None.

Other Requirements:

Biosecurity protocol should be in place at the facility of origin.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources Entry Requirements

  • ·Fish Hauler's Permit
  • ·Importation Permit
  • ·+/- Aquaculture Permit
  • ·Trout and Salmon Tests
  • ·Three-year history of hatchery certification for viral hemorrhagic septicemia, infectious pancreatic necrosis and whirling disease
  • ·Additionally, if the fish originate from outside of the Great Lakes basin, three-year hatchery certification is also required for ceratomyxosis, proliferative kidney disease, bacterial furunculosis, bacterial kidney disease, enteric redmouth, and infectious hematopoietic necrosis
  • ·Other Species Tests
  • ·Negative heterosporosis test for yellow perch, muskellunge, northern pike, and walleye, from Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota; and other predator fish upon approval

Indiana Department of Natural Resources Oversight

VHS Condition Statement for DNR Fish Permits:
Before certain fish species are imported into Indiana from another Great Lakes state the permit holder must obtain importation approval using a Pre-Entry Permit from Indiana's Board of Animal Health (BOAH). See BOAH Commercial Fish Suppliers.

Baitfish wholesale, retail and sales permitting (VHS)

Persons engaging in or continuing to engage in the business of taking, catching, selling, or bartering live minnows and crayfish for bait shall file an application with the division for a bait dealer's license (IC 14-22-16). Regulations and fee information can be viewed at: PERMITS AND COMMERCIAL LICENSES.

Importation of baitfish listed on the APHIS VHS susceptible species list also requires a Pre-Entry permit from BOAH (above).

Baitfish use (VHS)

The Indiana DNR has posted information for anglers for use of baitfish. Anglers must also be aware that is illegal to transport baitfish obtained from Great Lakes States and listed on the APHIS VHS species list across state lines without record of VHS certification.

Indiana fish stocking permit

It is unlawful to stock fish into Indiana waters without first obtaining a stocking permit (312 IAC 9-10-8) from IDNR. Stocking permits are available at:  PERMITS AND COMMERCIAL LICENSES.
.

Information on Aquatic Invasive Species for Indiana.