Provides for the regulation of aquaculture for the purpose of developing fish-farming businesses as an alternative cash crop for farms across the state; repealer

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law and the agriculture and markets law, in relation to the regulation of aquaculture; and to repeal section 11-1909 of the environmental conservation law relating to private trout and black bass hatcheries

Purpose or general idea of bill

To change the regulatory authority over farm raised fish from the Department of Environmental Conservation to the Department of Agriculture and Markets in an effort to better regulate and promote this aspect of agriculture.

Summary of specific provisions

Section one repeals Section 14-1909 of the Environmental Conservation Law. Section two amends section 11-1319 of the Environmental Conservation Law. Sections three through four amend the Agriculture and Markets Law by authorizing the Department of Agriculture and Markets to regulate trout and black bass hatcheries. Section five is the effective date.

Justification

Agriculture is the number one industry in New York state, returning over $3 billion dollars to the farm economy, and agriculture products, such as domestically raised fish, are already included in that industry-wide value.

According to the 2003-04 Annual Bulletin compiled by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, trout producers sold 224,000 pounds of trout valued at $797,000 in 2003, up 41% from the previous year, showing that farm raised fish is a growing sub-industry of agriculture in New York. There are dozens of private hatcheries in New York already and it has the potential for further growth if the industry is fostered through effective regulation.

Prior legislative history

S.7774 (2006) S.5680 (2007-08)

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Effective immediately.