RAC tables DWR's proposed aquatic stocking changes tied to New Zealand mud-snail risks after industry and state vet objections
Loading...
Summary
DWR proposed allowing some hatcheries that test positive for New Zealand mud snails to stock fish under case-by-case CORs and purging protocols; private aquaculture representatives and the Utah State Veterinarian objected to costs and regulatory language, and the RAC voted 10–2 to reject/table the proposed rule changes pending interagency work and published risk mapping.
DWR staff proposed rule amendments to allow stocking from hatcheries known to have New Zealand mud snails under a certificate-of-registration (COR) and a case-by-case risk review that could require purging or deny stocking near native spring-snail habitat.
Randy (DWR aquatics staff) said the case-by-case COR approach would let the division weigh the risk to nearby native spring-snail populations and require purging before stocking when necessary. "The intent is to protect our native spring snails by evaluating each stocking and considering how connected a pond is to potential native habitat," he said.
Private hatchery operators and the Utah State Veterinarian urged more coordination. Andy Satterley (private aquaculture manager) warned mandatory CORs and fees would harm small businesses and requested clearer criteria and a path for hatcheries to purge fish before sale. State Veterinarian Amanda Price said the packet lacked a promised low/medium/high risk map and expressed concern that one proposed rule paragraph (prohibiting discharge to public waterways) would effectively halt many aquaculture operations; she urged DWR to work with the Department of Agriculture on a practical, evidence-based protocol.
After discussion the RAC voted 10–2 to reject or table the proposed aquatic rule changes and directed DWR to continue interagency coordination with private producers and the state veterinarian before returning with refined language, risk mapping and a practical purging/certification approach.
