RAC approves aquatic-rule amendment to allow case-by-case stocking from hatcheries with New Zealand mud snails; vote split

The Southern Region Advisory Council narrowly approved proposed aquatic-rule amendments that would let the Division of Wildlife Resources issue certificates of registration (CORs) allowing stocking from hatcheries known to carry New Zealand mud snails in limited, case-by-case situations, while reserving the right to deny stocking when native spring-snail populations are at risk.

Randy, a division aquatic-rule presenter, said the change is intended to protect native spring snails by applying a situational review — including hydrologic connectivity, proximity to native snail populations and pond management — before a COR is issued. The amendment also clarifies effluent language in R657-3C subsection 9 to require that "all effluent from holding tanks must be managed to eliminate the potential for discharge into public waters," with certain licensed facilities exempted.

Why it mattered: several RAC members urged caution, citing past hatchery-linked disease introductions and the potentially irreversible consequences to small, locally endemic spring-snail populations. Bart Bautista and other members asked for more specific distance or hydrologic-connectivity criteria; division staff said the review must remain situational because waterways, barriers and pond characteristics vary widely.

Debate and vote: critics warned that loosening purging requirements could raise the chance of New Zealand mud-snail invasions of native springs that have been the subject of listing petitions. Randy and supporters argued COR review would be conservative in practice and could expand stocking opportunities where no native spring snails or hydrologic risk exist. The RAC approved the rule amendment, including the subsection-9 clarification, by a 6–3 vote.

Next steps: approved RAC recommendations will be forwarded to the Wildlife Board for final action. Division staff said they would be cautious in issuing CORs near known native spring-snail habitats and would reconsider the policy if evidence of new invasions emerges.

"We would only require [purging] in situations where the stocking could potentially impact native spring snails," Randy said, describing the situational approach. Several RAC members urged strict application of safeguards and rapid policy reversal if any evidence of invasion appears.