In cooperation with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Aquaculture Program issues operating permits to private aquaculture facilities.
The Colorado Aquaculture Board (CAB) consists of the five members of the Fish Health Board, as set up under the Colorado Parks and Wildlife statutes, as well as two additional members. The Commissioner of Agriculture appoints five of the seven total members with the other two being appointed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Board terms are three years. If you are interested in serving on the board please call 303-869-9149.
The CAB has four primary duties:
- The board shall consider, initiate, and recommend rules, not inconsistent with law, to the commissioner concerning the regulation of the aquaculture industry and its markets, except for rules that regulate, control, or otherwise relate to fish health, to the spread of aquatic disease, or to the importation into the state or the distribution and management of any exotic aquatic species, all of which subjects are within the jurisdiction of the parks and wildlife commission.
- The board shall develop appropriate programs to assist in the protection, growth, and promotion of the aquaculture industry of the state and shall recommend policies and procedures to the commissioner and the commission for the accomplishment of such a plan.
- The board shall review any suspensions or revocations of aquaculture facility permits and any orders for the destruction of aquatic organisms or for quarantine of aquaculture facilities which last beyond thirty days, and all such suspensions, revocations, and orders shall be conditioned upon the board's approval; except that destruction orders may be approved by the commissioner upon a determination that a situation exists which threatens imminent danger to existing aquatic populations or to human health and safety and that no more reasonable means exist to control the situation.
- The board shall review aquaculture facility permitting procedures and shall make recommendations to the department concerning such procedures and any related fees and charges.
What's New?
Aquaculture Fish Health Inspections
- As of July 1, 2022, contact Colorado Parks & Wildlife's Aquatic Animal Health Lab for scheduling fish health inspections. Please contact April Kraft, Aquatic Animal Health Manager, at april.kraft@state.co.us or 970.842.6304
- Fish Health Inspection Labs
Aquaculture Veterinarians
I Would Like To:
- Apply for an Aquaculture Permit (Note: Bait Dealer only applications will have the $100.00 fee waived.)
- See the Current list of Aquaculture Facilities
- Review the Aquaculture Rules
Additional Resources
External Websites
Contacts
Aquaculture Permit Questions: Colorado Department of Agriculture 303-869-9149
Allowable species of fish, fish health inspections, importing fish into Colorado: Colorado Parks and Wildlife 970-842-6308
Producing food for service or food for commerce (wholesale food, manufactured food, etc.): Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment 303-692-3638, cdphe_mfgfd@state.co.us
Aquaponic Operations growing produce (fruits/vegetables) for human consumption: Contact Colorado Department of Agriculture Produce Safety Rule Program Manager, 303-869-9282