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House advances Aquaculture Revitalization Act after sponsor’s reassurances
Summary
The House passed first substitute House Bill 148, the Aquaculture Revitalization Act, unanimously (68–0). Sponsor Rep. Michael Noel said the bill updates Fish Health Policy Board membership, allows limited sales to private fishponds with safeguards and preserves the Division of Wildlife Resources’ hatchery authority.
The Utah House on Feb. 14 passed first substitute House Bill 148, the Aquaculture Revitalization Act, by a 68–0 vote and sent the measure to the Senate. Representative Michael Noel, the sponsor, said the bill had unanimous committee support and broad stakeholder buy-in.
Noel told colleagues the bill adjusts membership on the Fish Health Policy Board, allows aquaculture facilities to sell live aquatic animals to private fishponds that meet screening requirements to prevent escapes, and gives the Wildlife Board authority to adopt rules limiting stocking in private ponds under certain circumstances. He also said the bill makes technical changes to private fishpond registration requirements.
During questioning Representative Draxler asked whether the bill would require the Division of Wildlife Resources to purchase fish from private growers or undermine the agency’s hatcheries. Representative Noel responded, “there is nothing in this bill that requires the Department of Wildlife Resources to buy any fish whatsoever,” and said the bill does not affect the division’s ability to raise fish in its facilities.
The measure passed on the floor and will be referred to the Senate for further consideration.
