The live fish trade industry is a global market where fish and other aquatic organisms move via various pathways for a variety of uses. As markets expand and new pathways for moving undesirable species and pathogens emerge, regulators struggle to find a balance in protecting the natural resources without impeding commerce and overburdening the aquaculture industry. In 2019, Fisheries staff from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission began working with a core group of aquaculture industry representatives to overhaul the aquaculture regulations for the state of Arkansas. The last major overhaul of the existing regulations occurred in the 1970's.
A joint approach of combining regulators and multiple aquaculture industry representatives together allowed for a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by all and the development of more comprehensive and practical regulations. The new regulations cover more pathways than simply aquaculture farms. They incorporate live haulers, wholesalers, distributors, pond consultants, and other live fish trade avenues as these entities also serve as pathways for moving undesirable species. In addition to new permits, clear instructions regarding paperwork during transit and record keeping , new fish health requirements, and updated species lists were part of the regulations package.
The new regulations went into effect January 1st , 2021. The development and implementation of the new regulations would not have been as comprehensive, successful, and effective without the industry representatives involved from the beginning and throughout the entire process. Hopefully in the future more regulatory entities will follow a joint approach and process when developing/updating live fish trade regulations.