Aquaculture vs The Law

oowolf · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 3:08 pm Post subject: Aquaculture vs The Law

My 1/4 acre pond is now ready for stocking. Unfortunately, according to Montana law, the only species I can legally stock are several trout and largemouth bass: totally unfit species for a shallow "edible water garden" type of pond.
No catfish, bluegill, yellow perch, crawdad, or mussels--let alone (God Forbid!) carp of any stripe.
No one at the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Game can tell me what conceivable threat the White Amur Grass Carp poses to trout and bass, but the system is so controlled by the Sport Fishing Lobby you cannot practice sustainable polyculture (carp or any other) without becoming a criminal.

Those of us into permaculture generally and forest gardening in particular are well aware of the "invasive species" controversy and seriously consider the possible consequences of introducing "exotic" species. (I've introduced over 100 edible and medicinal plant species into my garden.)

This, however, goes way beyond the rational protection of native species. My pond is a landlocked "dug" (groundwater) pond and is no threat to any perennial stream or river/impoundment.

At least I live in a place where I can forest garden and even put up a clothesline if I want to. What do you suppose the odds are my pond ends up stocked anyway?

This is just a heads-up to those considering putting in a pond. I'm guessing Montana isn't the only state with a sport fishing lobby.

skyemoor · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 3:21 pm Post subject: Re: Aquaculture vs The Law

Whatever fish populate ponds near you should be able to be caught live by you, and if you choose to refrain from killing them and eating them, you could simply release them into your pond. If the ecosystem can support them, they will thrive. What fish do you find in ponds in your area?
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Ludi · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 5:12 pm Post subject: Re: Aquaculture vs The Law

Yeah, I would just catch some bluegill or catfish or native carp, etc and release them in the pond. They just washed in there during a storm or something, if anyone asks. Bluegill grow and breed rapidly and seem to do ok in shallow ponds.
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