Overlooking Icicle Creek, Julia Pinnix/USFWS, Public Domain, https://www.fws.gov/media/overlooking-icicle-creek
Hatcheries
and Other Fish Rearing and Containment Facilities
Publications
The transport of live fish can be a significant pathway for the movement of aquatic invasive
species (AIS). This includes live fish cultivated in private, state and federal hatcheries and
aquaponics facilities for stocking in public and private waters or use as live bait or as food fish.
To address this issue, western states recognize the need to establish basic best management
practices (BMP) for AIS inspections in fish rearing and holding facilities. BMP’s were also
developed to address AIS detections in a facility and measures to mitigate AIS movement out
of the facility.
Other resources that provide guidance for addressing AIS in hatchery systems includes the
USDA Comprehensive Aquatic Health Program Standards and the State of Arkansas live bait
certification program. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans also should be
established for each facility to address introduction of disease and AIS. Plans should be
reviewed regularly to ensure they are up to date and are following current protocols
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Planning is about risk management. It features five integrated steps that can reduce the risk of spreading invasive species and other non-targets via human-based pathways. HACCP examines activities to determine if and when invasive species might be unintentionally moved. Where this potential exists, the tool helps to identify the most effective opportunities during an activity to reduce that risk and the specific control measures that are needed. Safeguards are included through the use of Prescribed Ranges, Limits, or Criteria (PRLC, previously called a control limit) and corrective actions that ensure that control measures (also known as preventive measures) are operating as intended.
The Service has developed a training curriculum to train its employees and those in other federal and state agencies, partner tribes, and conservation organzations to identify critical control points to prevent or reduce significant hazards that could be caused by unintentionally creating pathways for invasive or non-targeted species.