Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi All,

Just wondering why we seem so limited in our fish choices here in WA. Is it the law? If so, is there any talk afoot of WA fish laws changing (ever), and can anyone shed some light on why we have such strict rules?

Some of the things interstate or overseas people talk about on here sound pretty interesting (cod, jades, tilapia etc.), would love to give them a try!

theres talk of jades being accepted this year but not holding my breath, tilapia is classed as a noxious pest so not allowed to have cos it could overwhelm our natural fishies in the river systems pretty quick if anyone let one escape

Unfortunately its the law at present.
I currently have an application in with the Fisheries Dept to farm & breed Jade Perch in order to sell fingerlings but after further discussions last week I dont like my chances of it being approved. The final decision should be made within the next month or so.
The best thing you can do now is to contact fisheries and ask them why you cant have species other than Trout, Barra and Silver Perch. If they get inquiries (hassled) regularly enough perhaps it could help things change in the future.

Apparently its the law for aquaculture and aquaponics but if you have an aquarium you can aquire a few of the "banned" species to put in your aquatic enviroment of aqua
OK i think i used every aqu word there is, anyone else wanna chime in with more?



____________________
I was once young and stupid, i'm not so young now

I'll write them an email!

It really bugs me that the aquarium trade is open slather. Whats the difference really? We just have a larger version. I might drop a few more emails to John at fisheries as well... I backed off for a few months so its about time to heat it up again.

I totally agree Charlie, in fact I think there is less risk with fish purchased for use in Aquaponics than aquariums as at least with aquaponics the fish are bought with the intention of being eaten at some stage.

How the hell can they logically approve SP's and but knock back GP's and JP's ?

Makes no sense at all chilli

They haven't knocked back JP just yet so there is still a glimmer of hope.

I just sent off a huge email

So did I. I'd love to try something new!

Somewhere within Fisheries, someone just felt a shiver up their spine....

WA is very conservative in many areas like this, keeping reptiles is the same. although we havea huge variety, the legal list we are allowed to keep is miniscule. Bees also have quite strong regulation, just a couple of areas I have experience with.

Its a trade off though, we also have less trouble with diseases and introduced pests than most, so it does work.

Very very frustrating though, and dont expect it to change any time soon, I know the reptile industry has been screaming for years to no avail.

Good Luck.