If you are considering raising fish for sale in New Hampshire, understanding the state's licensing and regulatory framework is an essential first step. New Hampshire has established a straightforward process for aquaculture licensing that balances the interests of fish farmers with the need to protect the state's native fish populations and water resources. This guide walks you through the key permits, agencies, and steps involved in starting a licensed aquaculture operation.
Why Licensing Matters
Aquaculture licensing serves several important purposes. It helps the state track what species are being raised and where, preventing the accidental or intentional introduction of non-native species that could harm wild fish populations. Licensing also ensures that fish farmers follow basic health and environmental standards, protecting both consumers and the environment. For the fish farmer, a license provides legal authority to raise, transport, and sell fish, and it establishes your operation as a legitimate business in the eyes of customers, regulators, and lenders.
In New Hampshire, it is illegal to sell fish for stocking or consumption without the appropriate license. Fish that are raised solely for personal use on your own property may not require a license, but as soon as you sell, barter, or transfer fish to another person, licensing requirements apply.
NH Fish and Game Department
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the primary regulatory agency for aquaculture in the state. Fish and Game issues fish propagation permits and fish dealer licenses, inspects fish farms, and enforces rules related to the raising, transporting, and selling of fish.
Key points about the Fish and Game licensing process:
- Fish propagation permit: Required for anyone raising fish for sale or distribution. The permit specifies which species you are authorized to raise and the location of your operation. Applications are reviewed by Fish and Game biologists to ensure that the proposed species and site do not pose risks to wild fish populations.
- Species restrictions: Not all fish species can be raised in New Hampshire. The state maintains a list of species approved for aquaculture. Commonly approved species include rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, brown bullhead, golden shiners, and crawfish. If you wish to raise a species not on the approved list, you must petition Fish and Game for approval, which may involve a risk assessment.
- Inspections: Fish and Game may inspect your facility before issuing a permit and periodically thereafter. Inspections verify that your operation meets health and containment standards, and that you are raising only the species authorized on your permit.
- Record keeping: Licensed fish farmers are generally required to maintain records of fish purchases, sales, and transfers. These records help Fish and Game track the movement of fish within the state and respond to any disease or environmental concerns.
Contact the NH Fish and Game Department at 2 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301, or call (603)-271-2501. Robert Fawcett has been a contact for aquaculture-related inquiries.
NH Department of Environmental Services
Depending on the scale and nature of your aquaculture operation, you may also need permits from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES). The most common DES permits relevant to fish farming include:
- Water withdrawal: If your operation draws water from a stream, river, or groundwater source, a water withdrawal permit may be required. DES regulates water use to ensure that aquaculture operations do not deplete water resources needed by other users and ecosystems.
- Discharge permits: Water that flows through raceways or ponds and is then released back into a waterway may need a discharge permit. Fish farm effluent contains nutrients and organic matter from fish waste and uneaten feed. DES sets limits on the quality of water that can be discharged to protect downstream water quality.
- Wetlands and shoreland permits: Construction of new ponds, raceways, or other structures near wetlands, streams, or shorelands may require permits under New Hampshire's wetland and shoreland protection laws.
- Dam registration: If your pond is impounded by a dam, it may need to be registered with DES. Dam safety inspections may also be required, particularly for larger structures.
Contact DES at 6 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03302, or call (603)-271-3503. Edward Schmidt has served as a contact for environmental permitting questions related to aquaculture.
NH Department of Agriculture
The New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food plays a supporting role for aquaculture operations, particularly in areas related to marketing, labeling, and the sale of food products. If you plan to sell dressed (processed) fish directly to consumers, restaurants, or retailers, you should consult with the Department of Agriculture regarding food safety and labeling requirements.
Contact the Department of Agriculture at 25 Capitol Street, Concord, NH 03303, or call (603)-271-3788.
Steps to Getting Licensed
Here is a general outline of the steps involved in obtaining aquaculture licenses and permits in New Hampshire:
- Research and planning: Determine what species you want to raise, evaluate your water source and site, and develop a basic business plan. Visit existing fish farms and attend NHAA workshops to learn from experienced operators.
- Contact Fish and Game: Reach out to the NH Fish and Game Department early in the process. They can explain the specific requirements for your proposed operation and guide you through the application process.
- Water quality assessment: Have your water source tested for temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and other parameters. UNH Cooperative Extension can assist with testing and interpretation.
- Apply for permits: Submit your fish propagation permit application to Fish and Game. Simultaneously, contact DES to determine whether water withdrawal, discharge, or construction permits are needed.
- Facility preparation: Build or prepare your raceways, ponds, or tanks while permits are being processed. Ensure that your facility meets the containment and operational standards required by Fish and Game.
- Inspection and approval: Schedule a Fish and Game inspection of your facility. Once approved, your permit will be issued and you can begin stocking fish.
- Ongoing compliance: Maintain accurate records, report as required, and comply with all permit conditions. Renew your permits on schedule and notify the relevant agencies of any changes to your operation.
Costs and Fees
Licensing fees for aquaculture in New Hampshire are relatively modest compared to the overall investment required to start a fish farm. Fish propagation permit fees are set by the Fish and Game Department and are subject to change. Contact Fish and Game directly for current fee schedules. Environmental permits from DES may also carry application fees, depending on the type and complexity of the permit.
Common Questions
Do I need a license to stock my own pond?
If you are purchasing fish from a licensed fish raiser and stocking them in a pond on your own property for personal use, you generally do not need a propagation license. However, you should purchase fish only from licensed sources, and certain species may require notification to Fish and Game before stocking. When in doubt, contact Fish and Game for clarification.
Can I sell fish I catch from my pond?
Selling fish requires a license. If you wish to sell fish from your pond, whether live for stocking or dressed for consumption, you must obtain the appropriate permits from Fish and Game and, potentially, the Department of Agriculture.
What about fee-fishing operations?
Fee-fishing (pay-to-fish) operations, where customers pay to fish in a stocked pond, are a popular business model for fish farmers. These operations typically require a fish propagation permit and may have additional requirements related to public access and liability. Consult with Fish and Game and your local town planning board for guidance.