Aquaculture in Ohio

Permits & Regulations:

Aquaculture (Class A and B), White Amur, and Bait Dealer permits are issued annually by the ODNR, Division of Wildlife through our district and Sandusky Fisheries and Enforcement Unit offices. Fish Transportation and Wholesale Permits are issued annually through our Sandusky Fisheries and Enforcement Unit office.

Please reference the Aquaculture Law Digest for information on the Aquaculture (Class A and B) and White Amur permits; the Bait Dealer Regulations for information on the Bait Dealers Permit; and the Commercial Fishing Law Digest for information on the Fish Transportation and Wholesale permits.

VHS and Fish Transportation information: 

Agriculture and Natural Resources Departments Protect Ohio's Fish

(Click here to view the entire VHS Proclamation updated June 8, 2009)

Aquaculture permit applicants and fish haulers should be aware of the VHS Proclamation made by the Department of Agriculture. This Proclamation prohibits the intra-state transportation, sale, or distribution of 28 fish species susceptible to Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) out of the affected region in northern Ohio.  Furthermore, in order to bring fish into Ohio, the Ohio Department of Agriculture must first be contacted at:

Please be aware of the following important information regarding aquaculture permits:

• Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki) has been added to the list of unrestricted species.  This change will also be indicated in the next printing of the Aquaculture Law Digest (Publication 61).  

• Out-of-state aquaculture facilities do not need an aquaculture permit. These facilities are permitted by their resident state and only an Ohio Fish Transportation Permit is needed to bring fish into the state.
• Be sure to have your permit in by March 1st if you want to be included on the Propagators List which is made available to the public.
• If you want the additional free permits, be sure to mark the boxes.
• You must include both the common name and scientific name of the species you are raising.
• Class B species raised outside the watershed of concern can use a Class A Aquaculture Permit.
• Permit holders may not rear or propagate aquatic species in waters other than those under private control including any body of water that would allow egress of the fish into public waters or waters of the state without first obtaining written permission from the Chief of the Division of Wildlife or his designee.
• Please visit The Ohio State University's Aquaculture Program Web site or the Ohio Aquaculture Association Web site for information on fish culture methods, nutritional requirements, aquacultural system design and management, species selection and water quality management for existing and prospective aquaculturists.
• See list of Fish and Fish Food Propagators
• Download Pond Management Guide (* big 11.6 MB)