1. (1) An aquaculture facility that possesses a valid license from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food may stock aquatic wildlife into natural lakes, natural flowing streams, or reservoirs on natural stream channels within Utah, provided:

   1. (a)(i) The purchaser of the aquatic wildlife possesses a valid certificate or registration to stock in natural lakes, natural flowing streams, or reservoirs on natural stream channels; or

      1. (ii) the species being stocked meets the criteria where a certificate of registration is not required as described in Section R657-59a-4;
   2. (b) Any triploid aquaculture product that are stocked originate from a lot that has been tested and meet the requirements specified in Subsection R657-59a-5(3); and
   3. (c) The aquaculture facility provides the purchaser of any triploid fish a copy of the letter issued by the division certifying that the stocked fish originated from a lot that meets the requirements specified in Subsection R657-59a-5(3).
2. (2) The division may collect aquatic wildlife from natural lakes, natural flowing streams, or reservoirs on natural stream channels to verify that the species and ploidy stocked meet the requirements of Rule R657-59a.

3. (3)(i) It is unlawful for an aquaculture facility to release aquatic wildlife that violates the terms of Rule R657-59e or other rules established under Title 23A, the Wildlife Resources Code of Utah, and the Utah Wildlife Board.

   1. (ii) Violation of this rule may result in a violation of Sections 23A-5-305 and 4-37-6.

KEY: wildlife, aquaculture, fish

Date of Last Change: November 21, 2023

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 23A-9-305; 23A-9-203