It is unlawful for fish farmers, distributors, wholesalers, pond consultants, aquaponics/hydroponics producers, or independent live haulers to possess, propagate or offer for sale farm-reared (egg to harvest) aquaculture species or fertilized eggs without the appropriate valid permit. Permits are non-transferrable and are required to be renewed annually. See Addendum J1.01 for Approved Commercial Aquaculture Species and Addendum Chapter I1.00 for Aquatic Animal Health Requirements.

1. Resident Fish Farmer Permit - A resident who possesses this permit may possess, propagate, and raise farm-reared approved aquaculture species/eggs on an approved fish farm in Arkansas. With this permit a resident fish farmer may also sell, distribute, hold and/or transport farm-reared approved aquaculture species/eggs within and into the state from approved fish farm sources and provide pond and aquaponics/hydroponics consulting.
2. Non-resident Fish Farm Permit - A non-resident who possesses this permit may possess, propagate, and raise farm-reared approved aquaculture species/eggs on an approved fish farm in a location outside the state of Arkansas. With this permit a non-resident fish farmer may also sell, distribute, hold and/or transport farm-reared approved aquaculture species/eggs within and into the state from approved fish farm sources and provide pond and aquaponics/hydroponics consulting.
3. Resident Fish Dealer/Independent Hauler - A resident who possesses this permit may sell, distribute, hold, and/or transport farm-reared approved aquaculture species/eggs within and into the state from AGFC-approved fish farm sources and provide pond and aquaponics/hydroponics consulting, including resident pond consultants.
4. Non-resident Fish Dealer/Independent Hauler- A non-resident who possesses this permit may sell, distribute, and/or transport farm-reared approved aquaculture species/eggs within and into the state from AGFC-approved fish farm sources and provide pond and aquaponics/hydroponics consulting, including non-resident pond consultants.
5. Research/Educational/Exhibition/Government Fish Culture Facility Permit - Any research, educational, public aquaria, or state and federally owned aquaculture facilities that possess and/or propagate fish for research, exhibition, or public stocking purposes and provide pond and aquaponics/hydroponics consulting . This permit does not allow the holder to sell live species in commercial trade, however, accredited zoos may sell species to other accredited zoos.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. A Retail Bait Dealer (Bait Shop) must comply with Code 32.02 regarding permit and license requirements.
2. A commercial fisher must comply with Code 30.01 regarding permit and license requirements.
3. A licensed fishing guide is not required to purchase a fish dealer’s permit when providing baitfish during the act of guiding.
4. No AGFC-issued permit is required for shipments of live fish or fertilized eggs passing through the state with no loading or unloading within the state; however, all shipments of live fish or fertilized eggs must comply with Codes 35.03, 35.11, and 35.12.
5. Marine and tropical fish commonly distributed in the aquarium trade may be sold without special permits, as long as they are held only in closed systems and not otherwise prohibited.
6. All other aquatic wildlife species traded commercially must comply with AGFC Code of Regulations, including captive wildlife.
7. Common shipping carrier services (ex. Fed-Ex, UPS, USPS, etc.) are not required to obtain a hauler permit.

PENALTY: Class 1