THE EFFECTS OF REGULATIONS ON U.S. TROUT PRODUCERS: COSTS AND IMPACTS

Dr. Jonathan van Senten*, Dr. Carole R. Engle
 
Virginia Tech Seafood AREC
102 S. King St.
Hampton, VA 23669
jvansenten@vt.edu
 

A survey to assess the costs and impacts of regulations affecting trout aquaculture in the U.S. was conducted starting in January of 2017. The study was designed and conducted as a census, with the top 17 trout production states included in the survey. Data were collected through telephone and in-person visits with trout producers across the country. While thorough analysis of the data is still underway, there are summary findings that can be shared regarding the costs and impacts affecting producers. Approximately one third of respondents identified "regulations" as the #1 challenge to their business; with the study identifying over 300 different permits and regulations across the various states. On average trout producers had to maintain 7 different permits and licenses every year for their business to remain compliant. About 30% of respondents indicated that discharge regulations were the most challenging for their farm; with about 40% of producers reporting having made changes to their business to be compliant with discharge regulations. Interstate shipping and associated fish health testing requirements were not far behind, as the second most challenging regulations for respondents. It should be noted, that many producers made specific mention of wanting to protect the natural environment and understanding the need for there to be some measure of testing for fish health and water quality. However, the demand for frequent testing, reporting, and costly changes in management or infrastructure that would not benefit the environment or the health of the fish were also often expressed.