Regulates hatcheries that raise trout and black bass for food fish

2 Co-sponsors

• Clifford Crouch
• Ginny Fields

BILL NUMBER:A7311A

Title of bill

An act to amend the agriculture and markets law and the environmental conservation law, in relation to the regulation of food fish

Purpose of general idea of bill

This bill would allow New York State hatcheries to offer for sale farmed trout and black bass as food fish to third party vendors in the state.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 - adds a new article 5-E of the Agriculture and Markets Law for regulation of food fish.

Section 2 - Section 11-1009 of the Environmental Conservation Law is amended by adding for purposes other than those established in section ninety-seven of the agriculture and markets law for private trout and black bass hatcheries licenses.

Section 3 - provides for an effective date on the ninetieth day after it shall have become law.

Justification

New York State's aquaculture industry contributes to the success of many major industries in the state such as tourism, seafood, recreation and sport fishing. Aquaculture plays a significant behind-the-scenes role in the lives of New Yorkers and needs to be protected and encouraged to thrive. The aquaculture industry in New York State seeks new ideas to continue growth and expansion. There is absolutely no doubt that this legislation would help New York hatchery businesses' to flourish and grow.

This legislation would allow any person in New York State with a valid hatchery permit to sell live black bass and trout to third party vendors within the state regulated by the Department of Agriculture and Markets. Additionally, the bill provides the Department of Environmental Conservation enforcement officers with the capacity to identify and trace black bass offered for sale illegally and provides the authority to establish a fine schedule for violators of the new provision.

Prior legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None to the state.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law, provided, however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized to be made and completed on or before such date.