Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 52, December 27, 2024
Section 61-35-2 - Purpose2.1. The purpose of this rule is to establish regulatory guidelines for the importation of aquaculture species into the state of West Virginia. Aquaculture provides the opportunity to advance West Virginia's agriculture industry and promotes public health through the availability of healthy food options. Propagation of the state's aquaculture industry requires the ability to import both specific pathogen-free organisms and organisms that will not cause unwanted disruption of aquatic wildlife, such as invasive species.2.2. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is the lead agency for aquaculture health and importation within the state of West Virginia. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to oversee this rule and to ensure that the guidelines in it are observed.2.3. A person releasing aquaculture species into public waters shall abide by the health requirements listed in § 20-2-13 and § 20-2-64 of the West Virginia Code.