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Restriction On Aquatic Species Introduction

AI Summary: This regulation establishes new rules for fish and aquatic organism introduction in Oklahoma, specifically focusing on recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). The regulation defines a RAS as a closed-loop facility for propagating aquatic organisms with no direct connection to surface waters. It places significant restrictions on the sale, movement, and release of certain fish species, including: prohibiting the sale of game fish and paddlefish from public waters, banning live paddlefish releases within Oklahoma, restricting smallmouth bass releases east of Interstate 35, preventing saugeye releases in the Arkansas River watershed, and prohibiting releases of threatened, endangered, or special concern species. The regulation also establishes a broodstock transaction process for licensed aquaculturists, including a $500 annual license fee and specific reporting requirements. These rules are being implemented as an emergency adoption directly related to Senate Bill 777, which provides a framework for capture, cultivation, propagation, sale, and release of fish from private aquaculture facilities.
Date: 09/02/2025
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