New sea grant report helps great lakes fish farmers navigate aquaculture regulations

(Press-News.org) DULUTH, Minn.–Fish farmers across the Great Lakes states can face a confusing web of permits, policies and regulations that can hinder the growth of their operations. A new Sea Grant publication, Aquaculture Regulations in the Great Lakes, offers much-needed clarity. 

The report breaks down complex legal frameworks and provides practical insights to help aquaculture producers understand and navigate state and regional requirements with greater confidence. It was developed by the National Sea Grant Law Center (NSGLC) in partnership with the Minnesota Sea Grant-led Great Lakes Aquaculture Collaborative (GLAC), which formed to support aquaculture in the eight Sea Grant programs that border the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain Sea Grant.   

"Understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial for the growth and sustainability of aquaculture in the Great Lakes region," said Amy Schrank, MNSG extension leader, fisheries and aquaculture extension educator, and GLAC project lead. "This publication serves as a valuable resource for fish farmers and policymakers to navigate a complex legal environment and identify opportunities for harmonization and improvement." 

The comprehensive report offers an in-depth analysis of the legal frameworks governing aquaculture across the eight Great Lakes states and Lake Champlain and aims to support the development of an environmentally responsible and sustainable aquaculture industry in the region. The report and appendices provide an overview of each state’s existing aquaculture laws, regulations and policies. 

The report involved an examination of state laws, permitting requirements, approved and prohibited species and health requirements relating to aquaculture. The report also included select state environmental laws, regulations and permits that may implicate aquaculture production, including water withdrawal, pollutant discharge, wetlands and right-to-farm laws. 

The report’s analysis identified commonalities, differences and potential gaps that may present challenges to aquaculture operations across the Great Lakes region. The findings are intended to enhance understanding and facilitate informed decision-making among fish farmers, regulators, stakeholders, policymakers and others involved in aquaculture. 

This report on aquaculture regulations and other Great Lakes aquaculture resources are available on Sea Grant’s Great Lakes Aquaculture Collaborative resources webpage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Minnesota Sea Grant is a systemwide program of the University of Minnesota and one of 34 federal-university Sea Grant partnerships across the country supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Great Lakes and coastal states that encourage the wise stewardship of our marine resources through research, outreach, communication, education and technology transfer.

The National Sea Grant Law Center, based at the University of Mississippi School of Law, provides legal research, education, and outreach on ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. As part of the National Sea Grant College Program, the NSGLC works to address legal issues affecting the nation's coastal communities and ecosystems.

Sea Grant Great Lakes Aquaculture Collaborative (GLAC) provides aquaculture producers and consumers, educators and teachers, legislators and policymakers, and folks interested in raising, selling, eating, and stocking fish and other aquatic organisms in the Great Lakes region with science-based information, resources, and expertise.

CONTACT:

Amy Schrank, Extension Program Leader and Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension Educator, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth, aschrank@umn.edu.

Terra Bowling, Senior Research Counsel, National Sea Grant Law Center, tmharget@olemiss.edu, 662-915-7775.

Marie Thoms, Communications Director, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth, methoms@d.umn.edu.

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