Aquaponics Legislation Reform

As the laws in Alberta sit, chances are if you want to get into Aquaponics, you are going to need a license to do so.

The information on the laws are a bit muddled and open to a LOT of interpretation even within the departments handling them.

Back History:
Alberta Fish and Wildlife created the laws that are now in place on fish culture in an effort to protect the natural water sheds from contamination of non-native species.

Farmers who wanted to have a dugout with some fish in it were then forced to go through Alberta Fish and Wildlife to get a permit and license to have the fish. The farmers kicked back on this saying it was an agriculture issue, not a Fish and Wildlife issues so Alberta Fish and Wildlife “gifted” the licensing and inspection portion over to Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. The enforcement of the law is still held by Alberta Fish and Wildlife.

This “gift” has caused some confusion on the rules and regulations as both departments seem to have their own interpretation of how the laws work. Added to this issue is there was never any intent on Aquaponics being a part of this legislation but with people wanting to use Tilapia (and other fish on the list) it has encompassed aquaponics as well.

The Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development website for the Fish Culture License is located at:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/general/progserv.nsf/all/pgmsrv112and their phone number is 1-780-442-4513.

Alberta Aquaponics and the Alberta Aquaponics Society are working on getting the legislation for aquaponics reformed to something that is more useable and attainable for people wanting to get into Aquaponics.

This petition isd to show support for the letters that are being created by Alberta Aquaponics to the ESRD and the Alberta Environment Minister to take action.