Division proposes case‑by‑case stocking rules for growers with New Zealand mud snails; RAC endorses amendments

RAC members approved proposed aquatic rule amendments that would change how the Division reviews stocking requests from private fish growers that have New Zealand mud snails.

Trina Hedrick, cold water sport fish coordinator, told the RAC the division engaged the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food and private producers while developing the proposal. Under current practice, growers known to have New Zealand mud snails must purge every load before stocking, an intensive process. The draft amendments would adopt a case‑by‑case certificate‑of‑registration approach used elsewhere in the division’s aquatic program: when a stocking poses low risk to native springs the division could allow stocking without purging, but it would require mitigation or deny requests if stocking could threaten native spring snails.

Hedrick said the measure aims to protect native spring snails—many of which have been petitioned for Endangered Species Act listing—while providing relief to local aquaculture producers. She also proposed a technical change to R657‑3C subsection nine (noted at the meeting but not in the packet) to clarify that effluent must be managed to eliminate potential discharge into public waters, with certain licensed private facilities exempted.

The RAC took public comment (none in person) and approved the aquatic rule amendments by voice vote. Staff said they will continue to use the certificate‑of‑registration review process and work with growers on mitigation where necessary.