R58-17. Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health, R58. Agriculture and Food, Animal Industry, Utah Administrative Code

Utah Administrative Code (Current through November 1, 2019)

R58. Agriculture and Food, Animal Industry

R58-17. Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health

R58-17-1. Authority and Purpose

Latest version.

(A) This rule is promulgated under the authority of Section 4-37-101 (et seq.) Amendments, Subsection 4-2-2(i) and 4-37-503.

(B) This rule establishes a program for the registration and aquatic animal health monitoring of aquaculture facilities, fee-fishing facilities, aquatic animal brokering, public aquaculture facilities, public fishery resources, private fish ponds, institutional facilities, private stocking, short-term fishing events and displays. This rule also addresses the importation of aquatic animals into Utah and establishes requirements for health approval of aquatic animals and their sources. The program is based on the monitoring of facility operations and aquatic animal movements to prevent the exposure to and spread of pathogens or diseases which adversely affect both cultured and wild aquatic animal stocks.

(C) Persons engaged in operations listed in R58-17-1(B) must comply with the rules for site selection and species control under Department of Agriculture and Food 4-37-201(3)and 4-37-301(3) and Department of Natural Resources rules R657-3 and R657-16.

(D) This rule is part of a statewide aquaculture disease control effort that includes procedures and policies established and adopted by the Fish Health Policy Board.

R58-17-2. Definitions

Latest version.

(A) The following terms are defined for this rule:

(1) "Aquaculture" means the controlled cultivation of aquatic animals. In this rule, the word "aquaculture" refers to commercial aquaculture.

(2)(a) "Aquaculture facility" means any tank, canal, raceway, pond, off-stream reservoir, aquatic animal processing plant or other structure used for aquaculture. "Aquaculture facility" does not include any public aquaculture facility, private fish pond or fee fishing facility, as defined in this rule.

(b) Structures that are separated by more than 1/2 mile, or structures that drain to or are modified to drain into different drainages, are considered separate aquaculture facilities regardless of ownership.

(3)(a) "Aquatic animal" means a member of any species of fish, mollusk, crustacean, or amphibian.

(b) "Aquatic animal" includes a gamete or egg of any species listed in definitions under Subsection R58-17-2(3)(a).

(4) "Blue Book" means a set of the most current standard procedures approved by the American Fisheries Society for inspecting the health of aquatic animals.

(5) "Brokers or aquatic animal brokering" refers to the activities of dealers, entities, individuals or companies that are in the business of buying, selling, exchanging or transferring live aquatic animals between approved or licensed facilities pursuant to R58-17-13(C) and R58-17-14 without being actively involved in the culture, rearing or growth of the animals. This includes a person or company who rears aquatic animals, but also buys and sells (brokers) additional aquatic animals without rearing them.

(6) "Certificate of Registration (COR)" means an official document which licenses facilities with the Department of Agriculture and Food or which licenses facilities and events with the Division of Wildlife Resources pursuant to R58-17-4. The purpose of the COR is to establish the legal description of the facility, the species of aquatic animals reared and to grant the authority to engage in the described activity.

(7) "Department" means the Department of Agriculture and Food with appropriate regulatory responsibility pursuant to R58-17-4(A)(1) in accordance with the provisions of Sections 4-2-2 and 4-37-104, Utah Code.

(8) "Disease History" means a record of all known pathogens that have historically affected aquatic animals reared at a facility that seeks health approval pursuant to R58-17-15(C)(2)(b).

(9) "Division" means the Division of Wildlife Resources in the Department of Natural Resources with the appropriate regulatory responsibility pursuant to R58-17-4(A)(2), R657-3, R657-16 in accordance with the provisions of Sections 23-14-1 and 4-37-105, Utah Code.

(10) "Egg only sources" refers to a separate category of salmonid fish health approval that allows for the purchase of "fish eggs only" from a facility pursuant to R58-17-15(B)(5) and (D)(1). This category makes the distinction between those pathogens that are vertically transmitted (from parent to offspring through the egg, i.e., Renibacterium salmoninarum (BKD), IHNV, IPNV, OMV, VHSV, SVCV, EHNV) and those horizontally transmitted (from one aquatic animal to another by contact or association, i.e., Aeromonas salmonicida, Asian tapeworm, Ceratomyxa shasta, Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae (PKX), Myxobolus cerebralis (whirling disease), and Yersinia ruckeri).

(11) "Emergency prohibited pathogen" is a pathogen that causes high morbidity and high mortality, is exotic to Utah, and requires immediate action. These pathogens generally cannot be treated and shall be controlled through avoidance, eradication, and disinfection (see R58-17-20).

(12) "Emergency Response Procedures" are procedures established by the Fish Health Policy Board to be activated any time an emergency prohibited or prohibited pathogen is reported pursuant to R58-17-9 and R58-17-15(D)(6).

(13) "Emergency response team" means teams as defined by the Fish Health Policy Board responsible for developing and executing action plans to respond to and report findings of emergency prohibited or prohibited pathogens pursuant to R58-17-9, R58-17-10(A)(1) and R58-17-10(B)(1).

(14) "Entry Permit" means an official document issued by the Department which grants permission to the permit holder to import aquatic animals into Utah pursuant to R58-17-13. An entry permit is issued for up to 30 days and stipulates the species, size or age, weight and source of aquatic animals to be imported.

(15) "Facility disease history report" means a report of all known pathogens that have historically affected aquatic animals reared at a facility seeking approval pursuant to R58-17-15, subsections (B)(6), (C)(1)(a), and (C)(2)(b) and (d).

(16) "Fee fishing facility" means a body of water used for holding or rearing aquatic animals for the purpose of providing fishing for a fee or for pecuniary consideration or advantage pursuant to Section 4-37-103 and R58-17-18.

(17) "Aquatic animal health approved/health approval" means a system of procedures which allows an assessment of the disease history of a facility or population of aquatic animals and which grants a statistical assurance that neither "emergency prohibited" nor "prohibited" pathogens are present. The Department's and Division's responsibilities for granting health approval are delineated in R58-17-15. Health Approval status is granted to qualified COR holders in Utah and to aquatic animal sources inside and outside of Utah, all of which have satisfactorily completed health approval requirements pursuant to R58-17-15, and placed on the aquatic animal health approval list (R58-17-13(C)). Health approval of the source facility is necessary before a purchase may be made from the source facility or before the source facility may sell, transfer, or broker aquatic animals in or into Utah pursuant to R58-17-14.

(18) "Fish Health Policy Board" means the board created pursuant to Amendment 4-37-503 and referred to in R58-17 as the "Board".

(19) "Aquatic animal processing plant" means a facility pursuant to R58-17-13(G) and (H), and R58-17-17 used for receiving whole dead, eviscerated fresh or frozen salmonids or other live and dead aquatic animals as approved on the COR for processing.

(20) "Five-year disease history" means a report of all known pathogens affecting each stock native to, propagated at, or imported to the originating facility. These stocks or the offspring of these stocks are subsequently moved to another facility that seeks health approval pursuant to R58-17-15 subsections (B)(6), (C)(1)(a), and (C)(2)(b) and (d). The report shall cover up to the previous five years.

(21) "Import/importation" means to bring live aquatic animals, by any means into the State of Utah from any location outside the state and to subsequently possess and use them for any purpose.

(22) "Institutional aquaculture" means aquaculture engaged in by any institution of higher learning, school, or other educational program.

(23)(a) "Marine aquatic animal" means a member of any species of fish, mollusk or crustacean that spends its entire life cycle in a marine environment.

(b) "Marine aquatic animal" does not include:

(i) anadromous aquatic animal species;

(ii) species that temporarily or permanently reside in brackish water; and

(iii) species classified as invasive or nuisance by state or federal law.

(24) "OIE" means the Office International des Epizooties of the World Organization for Animal Health, an intergovernmental organization that was established in 1924 to promote world animal health. The OIE provides guidelines and standards for health regulations and diagnostic tests. The most recent manual of health standards for aquatic animals is used to inspect for aquatic animal pathogens, for which the Bluebook has not developed standards. Such pathogens include EHNV, WSSV, YHV, TSV, and IHHNV covered in R58-17-20.

(25) "Ornamental fish" means any species of aquatic animals that are reared or marketed for their beauty or exotic characteristics, rather than for consumptive or recreational use. Tropical fish, goldfish and koi are included in the category of ornamental fish. This does not include those species of aquatic animals listed as prohibited or controlled in Department of Natural Resources rule R657-3. Ornamental fish are not regulated under rules R58-17 or R657-3. If the Department or Division determines that an introduction of ornamental fish poses a disease risk for aquatic animals, then all requirements under this rule apply.

(26)(a) "Private fish pond" means a body of water where privately owned aquatic animals are propagated or kept for a private, non-commercial purpose.

(b) "Private fish pond" does not include any aquaculture facility or fee fishing facility.

(27) "Procedures for the Timely Reporting of Pathogens" means procedures established by the Board for the timely reporting of emergency prohibited, prohibited, or reportable pathogens from any source in Utah or from any out-of-state health approved source pursuant to R58-17-9 and R58-17-15(D)(5).

(28) "Prohibited pathogen" is a pathogen that can cause high morbidity or high mortality, may be endemic to Utah, and requires action in a reasonable time. Prohibited pathogens are generally very difficult or impossible to treat and can only be controlled through avoidance, eradication, and disinfection, etc (see R58-17-20).

(29)(a) "Public aquaculture facility" means a tank, canal, raceway, pond, off-stream reservoir, or other structure used for the controlled cultivation of aquatic animals by the Division, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or an institution of higher education.

(b) Structures that are separated by more than 1/2 mile, or structures that drain to or are modified to drain into different drainages, are considered separate public aquaculture facilities.

(30) "Public fishery resource" means aquatic animals produced in public aquaculture facilities, purchased or acquired for public fishery waters and sustained as wild and free ranging populations in the surface waters of the state.

(31) "Quarantine" means the restriction of movement of live or dead aquatic animals regardless of age and of all equipment and hauling trucks into or from an area designated by the Commissioner of Agriculture or State Veterinarian pursuant to R58-17-10 and Agricultural code 4-31-16 and 17.

(32) "Reportable pathogen" is a pathogen that generally is prevented using good management practices. Reportable pathogens are not prohibited in Utah but may be prohibited in some other states or countries (see R58-17-20). Inspections are not required for reportable pathogens, but positive findings must be reported to the Board.

(33) "Salmonid and non-salmonid" designate aquatic animals based on the range of optimal growth temperatures used in their culture. "Salmonid" means any species of aquatic animal that is of the order Salmoniformes and optimally lives in coldwater conditions. "Non-salmonid" means any species of aquatic animal that is not of the order Salmoniformes nor cultured in coldwater conditions. For purposes of R58-17, aquatic animals such as cool water fish, warm water fish, and crustaceans (shrimp, crayfish, and prawns) are classified as non-salmonids.

(34) "Source" means all rearing or holding locations during all of the life stages of an aquatic animal.

(35) "Unregulated pathogen" is a pathogen that is not regulated in Utah. Unregulated pathogens include all pathogens not classified as either emergency prohibited, prohibited, or reportable. Reporting of these pathogens to the Fish Health Policy Board is not required (see R58-17-20).

R58-17-3. Penalties

Latest version.

Any violation of or failure to comply with any provision of this rule, R657-59 or R657-16 or any specific requirement contained in a certificate of registration or entry permit issued pursuant to this rule, R657-59 or R657-16 may be grounds for issuance of citations, levying of fines, revocation of the certificate of registration or denial of future certificates of registration pursuant to Subsections 4-2-2(1)(f) and 4-2-15(1), as determined by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Food and pursuant to Sections 23-19-9, 23-20-4, and 23-13-11, as determined by the Director of the Division of Wildlife Resources.

R58-17-4. Certificate of Registration (COR) Required

Latest version.

(A) Activities requiring a COR:

(1) A COR, issued by the Department, is required before a person may engage in any of the following activities within Utah:

(a) Operate an aquaculture facility.

(b) Operate a fee-fishing facility.

(d) Broker aquatic animals.

(2) A certificate of registration or health approval is not required to import, possess, or transfer a live marine aquatic animal, provided it is:

(a) imported and possessed for the singular purposes of immediate human consumption;

(b) possessed no longer than 30 days from the date of importation;

(d) not released in any water source, including sewer systems; and

(e) imported and possessed in compliance with applicable state and federal laws, including the importation and possession requirements in R657-3-11(8).

(3) A COR, issued by the Division, is required for operation of the following activities within the State of Utah:

(a) public aquaculture facilities;.

(b) private fish ponds unless otherwise exempt from COR requirements under R657-59-3 and R657-59-7;

(d) short term fishing events (R657-16-11);

(e) private stocking (R657-16-12);

(f) displays (R657-16-14).

(4) Entry permits shall be issued to holders of current CORs for the activities named in this subsection and to private fish pond owners pursuant to R58-17-13 (J) and R657-59.

R58-17-5. Species Allowed

Latest version.

(A)(1) Pursuant to Division of Wildlife Resources rules R657-3, R657-59, R657-16, and Utah Code sections 23-15-10 and 23-13-5, only those species authorized by the Division or the Wildlife Board may be imported, possessed, or transported in conjunction with the authorized activity.

(2) The species, strains, and reproductive capabilities of aquaculture product that may be stocked in fee fishing facilities are generally described in R657-59-16(3) and (4).

(B)(1) Pursuant to 4-37-105(1), 4-37-201(3)(B) and 4-37- 301(3)(B) the Department shall coordinate with the Division to determine which species the holder of a COR may propagate, possess, transport or sell.

(2) Notwithstanding the site restrictions described in R657-59-16(3) and (4), the Department may authorize stocking in fee fishing facilities after formally coordinating with the Division on a site suitability for areas generally closed to stocking aquaculture product.

(C) The Department will monitor sales receipts to insure that the species described on CORs, sales receipts, and entry permits issued by the Department are those authorized by the Division.

R58-17-6. Qualifying Waters

Latest version.

(A) A private or public aquaculture facility, fee-fishing facility or private fish pond may not be developed on natural lakes, natural flowing streams, or reservoirs constructed on natural stream channels. Offstream reservoirs, and excavated ponds or raceways may be considered for use as an aquaculture or fee-fishing facility.

(B) During the COR application process, the Department shall coordinate with the Division to determine the suitability of the proposed site pursuant to R58-17-6(A), 4-37-111, 4-37-201(3) and 4-37-301(3).

R58-17-7. Screens Required

Latest version.

(A) Screens or other devices that are designed to prevent the movement of aquatic animals into or out of an aquaculture facility, fee-fishing facility, public aquaculture facility, private fish pond, institutional aquaculture facility, short term fishing event or display must be placed at the inflow and outflow. The presence of adequate screening or other devices is a precondition to issuance or renewal of CORs pursuant to R58-17-4 and a precondition to delivery of aquatic animals to private fish ponds from health approved sources as provided in section 23-15-10 and R657-59-15.

(B) As part of the COR issuance process, the Department or the Division shall make site visits and determine the adequacy of screening.

(C) The Department or Division may inspect screening or other devices in their respective areas of responsibility to assure compliance with Subsections R58-17-7(A) and (B) and Section 23-15-10 and R657-59-15 during reasonable hours.

(D) It is the responsibility of the private fish pond owner or COR holder to report to the Department or Division, depending on which agency has jurisdictional authority, all escapements of aquatic animals from facilities. This is to be done within 72 hours of the loss or knowledge of the loss. The report shall include facility names, date of loss, estimate of number of aquatic animals lost, names of the public water the aquatic animals escaped into, remedial actions taken, and plans for future remedial action. The COR holder and/or facility operator or private fish pond owner will bear all costs for remedial actions. The Department or Division shall notify all affected agencies and parties within two working days. The agency having responsibility may suspend all activities at the facility, including aquatic animal imports, transfers, sales, fishing, etc., until the investigation and remedial actions are completed.

R58-17-8. Application and Renewal of Certificates of Registration (CORs)

Latest version.

(A) Application process.

(1) For application procedures pursuant to R58-17-4, contact the Fish Health Program of the Department at 350 N. Redwood Road, Box 146500, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6500 for activities listed in R58-17-4(A)(1) or the Wildlife Registration Office of the Division at 1594 West North Temple, Suite 2110, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6301 for activities listed in R58-17-4(A)(2).

(2) The application form must be completed and sent to the appropriate address with the required fee. Forms that are incomplete, incorrect or not accompanied by the required fee may be returned.

(3)(a) Department or Division authorization of the site and species will be done at the earliest possible date. The Department will make every effort to process applications submitted to it within 14 work days pursuant to R58-17-5 and R58-17-6. Pursuant to R657-16-4, applications submitted under the jurisdiction of the Division require up to 45 days for processing, except for short-term fishing events, which require up to 10 days.

(b) The Division will review COR applications to ensure site suitability, allowable species, and potential impact to adjacent aquatic wildlife populations, consistent with this rule and state code.

(4) If the application is granted, a written COR and COR number will be issued. The COR holder shall keep a copy of the COR on file for 2 years pursuant to Section 4-37-110.

(5) If the application is denied, a written explanation will be sent to the applicant.

(B) Renewal process.

(1) All CORs are valid until December 31 for the calendar year issued unless specified otherwise on the COR or unless renewed sooner.

(2) CORs must be renewed annually by submitting a completed application and the required fee to the Department or Division, and by complying with all other applicable renewal criteria.

(3) Failure to timely renew the COR annually may result in the loss of health approval, denial of future CORs, and the removal or destruction pursuant to R58-17-13(G) of the live or dead aquatic animals at the facility. Removal or disposal of live or dead aquatic animals is the responsibility of the owner and shall be done by means acceptable to the agency having responsibility.

R58-17-9. Reporting Aquatic Animal Diseases

Latest version.

Persons involved in aquaculture and being regulated by this rule, R657-59, or R657-16, having knowledge of the existence in the state of any of the diseases currently on the pathogen list, Subsection R58-17-15(D)(2), (3), and (4), shall report it to the Department, Fish Health Program or the Division, Aquatics Section. The Department or Division will follow the Procedures for the Timely Reporting of Pathogens and the Emergency Response Procedures established by the Board. All confirmed findings of pathogens pursuant to R58-17-15(D)(2), (3), and (4), determined from such incidents or from inspections or diagnostic work initiated by the Department or the Division, will be reported to the Board.

R58-17-10. Quarantine of Aquatic Animals and Premises

Latest version.

(A) If evidence exists that the aquatic animals in any facility are infected with or have been exposed to pathogens listed in R58-17-15(D)(2) and (3), then either quarantine or removal from the approval list (R58-17-2 (17), depending on the pathogen, may be imposed by the Commissioner of Agriculture or the State Veterinarian. Any action other than a quarantine must be approved by the Board.

(1) Lifting of the quarantine imposed on a facility infected with or exposed to emergency or prohibited pathogens requires the creation and implementation of a biosecurity plan that specifies action to control the pathogen and includes testing requirements of all lots of aquatic animals to verify the absence of the pathogen. In addition, the Department may require decontamination of the facilities and equipment in accordance with current medical knowledge of the organism, the Blue Book, and guidelines set forth by the Emergency Response Team.

(2) If the Department has reasonable evidence that the contagion is still present pursuant to R58-17-11, then quarantine, closure, or other measures such as decontamination of the facility and equipment, destruction of aquatic animals, etc. may be imposed. Such measures will be in accordance with current medical knowledge of the organism, the Blue Book, and guidelines set forth by the Emergency Response Team.

(B) A quarantine may be imposed by the Commissioner of Agriculture or the State Veterinarian where aquatic animals are possessed, transported or transferred in violation of this rule, wildlife rules, or statute and consequently pose a possible disease threat; or where a quarantine is reasonably necessary to protect aquatic animals within the state. This action may be reviewed by the Board for recommendations to the Department.

(1) Quarantines imposed on facilities for rule or statute violations or for purposes of protecting aquatic animals may be lifted once sufficient evidence is presented to the State Veterinarian's satisfaction that infection is not present at the facility or that biosecurity control measures are being followed which will control further spread of the pathogen, and that removal of the quarantine does not create a risk to other aquatic animal populations. In addition, the Department may require decontamination of the facilities and equipment in accordance with current medical knowledge of the organism, Blue Book procedures, and guidelines set forth by the Emergency Response Team.

(2) If the Department has reasonable evidence that the contagion is present pursuant to R58-17-11, then quarantine, closure, or other measures shall be imposed pursuant to R58-17-10(A)(2).

(C) Any person, licensed pursuant to R58-17 and affiliated with a facility under quarantine, who delivers aquatic animals from health-approved sources for other public or private aquaculture facilities may, with written permission from the Department, use their hauling trucks if the operator either houses the truck off the quarantined facility, or sanitizes the truck according to Department recommendations each time it leaves the quarantined facility.

R58-17-11. Handling of Aquatic Animals and Premises Confirmed to Be Infected With a Listed Pathogen in R58-17-15(D)

Latest version.

(A) Where any facility or group of aquatic animals is confirmed to be infected with one or more of the pathogens listed in R58-17-15(D), the Commissioner of Agriculture and Food or State Veterinarian may either quarantine or remove the facility from the health approval list pursuant to R58-17-10 and take steps to prevent the spread of the pathogen and to eliminate it. These actions may be reviewed by the Board for recommendations to the Department. The Department or Division, in their respective areas of responsibility, may take one or more of the following actions as listed below in this subsection, depending on the pathogen involved and the potential effects of the pathogen on the receiving water, neighboring aquaculture facilities or the public fishery resource.

(1) Destruction and disposal of all infected and exposed aquatic animals.

(2) Cleaning and decontamination or disposal of all handling equipment and holding facilities.

(3) Testing is required of all lots of aquatic animals, which may be at the owner's expense, to detect the presence or spread of the pathogen. This may include the use of sentinel aquatic animals. After two negative tests, six months apart, the quarantine shall be reassessed, possibly released, and/or other measures may be imposed pursuant to R58-17-10(A)(2). Once sufficient evidence shows that the pathogen is not present at a facility, full restocking may begin.

(4) The infected aquatic animals may be allowed to remain on the premises through the production cycle depending on the pathogen involved and its potential effects on adjacent animals. All stocks within the facility shall be tested according to provisions outlined in the biosecurity plan to determine if the pathogen persists. At the end of the production cycle, then testing should be done at least annually. If the pathogen is not found after two consecutive annual inspections, then testing may revert to the original requirements for the facility. If biosecurity of the facility cannot or is not being maintained, immediate destruction of the stocks may be required. The biosecurity plan for the facility shall remain in effect if the COR holder sells or goes out of business.

R58-17-12. Statement of Variances

Latest version.

Circumstances may arise which cannot be adequately addressed or resolved with this rule. The Board may grant specific variances to the rule if the following conditions are met:

(A) The variance is based on scientifically sound information and rationale.

(B) The variance will cause no significant threat to other aquaculture operations, state or private, or to public fishery resources.

R58-17-13. Importation of Aquatic Animals or Aquaculture Products Into Utah

Latest version.

(A) Except as provided in Subsection (L), an official ENTRY PERMIT is required to import live aquatic animals or their gametes into Utah. This permit is in addition to the COR for operation of the facility or as otherwise specified in R58-17-4. The entry permit can be obtained at no charge by contacting the Department, Fish Health Program and providing the following information:

(1) Name, address, phone number and COR number of importer.

(2) Species, size and/or number of aquatic animals to be imported.

(3) Name and health approval number of sources, origin of aquatic animals, transfer history, and approximate date of shipment.

(4) For international shipments or an animal with international origins, a certificate of veterinary inspection from the source must be obtained by the importer indicating a negative record of testing by OIE reference labs for prohibited pathogens pursuant to R58-17-15(D)(2) and (3), a negative record of other OIE-listed pathogens affecting the aquatic animals to be imported, and that known nuisance species are not found in the water source. In addition, written authorization from the US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) for the importation must be included.

(B) Each shipment of live aquatic animals must be authorized. A copy of the entry permit will be sent to the requesting party and a copy must accompany the shipment. The permit holder shall allow up to two weeks for the Department to verify the health approval status of the source and to verify authorized species status pursuant to R58-17-5.

(C) All import shipments of live aquatic animals must originate from sources that have been health approved by the Department pursuant to R58-17-15(A)(2) and (B). A list of approved sources is maintained by the Department, but the list is not published due to frequent updates. Information on currently approved sources may be obtained by contacting the Department Fish Health Program.

(D) All importations must be species that have been authorized by the Wildlife Board and the Division pursuant to R657-3, R657-59-16, and 4-37-105(1).

(E) To import or sell live grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), the fish must be verified as being triploid (sterile) by the National Triploid Grass Carp Inspection and Certification Program. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service triploid verification form must be obtained from the supplier as required in R657-16-7. Both this form and the Department's statement verifying treatment or testing for Asian tapeworm must be on file with the Department prior to shipment or stocking of the fish. Copies of the entry permit, treatment or testing statement for Asian tapeworm, and triploid verification forms must accompany the fish during transit. The statement verifying treatment or testing is also required for all aquatic animal species that are known or reported hosts or carriers of the Asian tapeworm.

(F) The State Veterinarian may require inspection, treatment or testing of any aquatic animal and plant species, including aquatic invasive species, water, vehicle, or container, in accordance with current scientific knowledge before importation.

(G) Whole dead and eviscerated fresh or frozen salmonid fish or live aquatic animals may be imported into Utah for processing at a aquatic animal processing plant without an Entry Permit. Live salmonid fish may be imported into and transported within Utah for processing at a aquatic animal processing plant without an Entry Permit, but they must be killed upon release from the transport vehicle and may not be held live at the aquatic animal processing plant. Waste products, i.e., brine shrimp cysts, carcasses, viscera and waste water, must be incinerated, buried with "quick lime" (Calcium oxide), composted, digested, or disposed of by means acceptable to the Department to deter the spread of pathogens and non-native species pursuant to R657-3 by water or animals. The Department may apply the requirements in this subsection to other species of aquatic animals and pathogens if future needs arise.

(H) Placement of dead aquatic animals, parts, or waste products from a aquatic animal processing plant, or live or dead aquatic animals from any facility into public waters is illegal. Proper disposal is the responsibility of the processor/owner/broker pursuant to R58-17-13(G).

(I) All transport vehicles, importing aquatic animals imported into Utah or transporting them through Utah pursuant to R58-17-14(C), must have proper documentation and are subject to inspection. The lack of proper documentation and/or the findings of an inspection may result in entry denial, fines, or other Department actions. All inspection costs will be born by the importer.

(J) Aquatic animals may be imported and transported to a private fish pond by an out-of-state source, approved by the Department, or by an aquaculture facility representative with a current COR by following requirements in section 4-37-204. The approved or licensed facility representative and the private fish pond representative shall sign and forward receipts pursuant to R58-17-17 (D).

(L) An import permit or certificate of veterinary inspection is not required to import a live marine aquatic animal into the state, provided it is:

(1) imported and possessed for the singular purposes of immediate human consumption;

(2) possessed no longer than 30 days from the date of importation;

(3) acquired from a lawful source and documentation of purchase is retained;

(4) not released in any water source, including sewer systems; and

(5) imported and possessed in compliance with applicable state and federal laws, including the importation and possession requirements in R657-3-11(8).

R58-17-14. Buying, Selling, and Transporting Aquatic Animals

Latest version.

(A) Buying aquatic animals:

Live aquatic animals, except ornamental fish and marine aquatic animals as provided in R58-17-4(2), unless the ornamental fish are determined a risk pursuant to R58-17-2(A)(24), may be purchased or acquired only by persons or entities who possess a valid COR that authorizes the animals or as otherwise specified in R58-17-4. This applies to separate facilities owned by the same individual. Live aquatic animals must be purchased only from sources that either are located in-state and have a valid COR for aquaculture or are located outside of Utah. In both cases, the sources must also be on the current aquatic animal health approval list.

(B) Selling aquatic animals:

Live aquatic animals, except ornamental fish and marine aquatic animals as provided in R58-17-4(2), unless the ornamental fish are determined a risk pursuant to R58-17-2(A)(24), may be sold only by a person or entity located in-state who possesses a valid COR for aquaculture or by a person or entity located outside of Utah. Current listing for each source and species on the health approval list is also required. Within Utah, an aquaculture facility operator may only sell or transfer live aquatic animals to a person or entity, which has been issued a valid COR to possess such animals or as otherwise specified in R58-17-4.

(1) Any person possessing a valid COR may transport the live aquatic animals specified on the COR to the facility named on the COR.

(2) All transfers or shipments of live aquatic animals within Utah, except ornamental fish and marine aquatic animals as provided in R58-17-4(2), unless the ornamental fish are determined a risk pursuant to R58-17-2(A)(24), must be accompanied by documentation of the source and destination, including:

(a) Name, address, phone number, COR number and COR expiration date, aquatic animal health approval number and expiration date of source and transfer history.

(b) Species, size, number or weight being shipped.

(d) Date of transaction.

(3) Live aquatic animals may be shipped through Utah without a COR, provided that the animals will not be sold, released or transferred, the products remain in the original container, water from the out-of-state source is not exchanged or released, and the shipment is in Utah no longer than 72 hours. Proof of legal ownership, origin of aquatic animals and destination must accompany the shipment.

(4) Any person who hauls aquatic animals may transport a species other than those listed on their COR provided the source facility and destination both have a valid COR to possess that species. Transportation of aquatic animals to a private fish pond may not require a COR pursuant to R657-59-3, but movement and delivery of the aquatic animals is subject to the species restrictions in R657-59-16.

(5) No person may move or cause to be moved aquatic animals from a facility known to be exposed to or infected with any of the pathogens on the pathogen list, R58-17-15(D)(2) through (4), without first reporting it to the appropriate regulating agency pursuant to R58-17-9 and receiving written authorization to move the aquatic animals.

(D) Brokers:

(1) Brokers shall follow the same requirements that other producers follow as to importation, health approval of their facility and their source facilities and assuring that live sales are only made to those with valid CORs.

(2) To qualify for health approval of their aquatic animals, brokers shall obtain health approval for all source facilities from which they broker aquatic animals.

R58-17-15. Aquatic Animal Health Approval

Latest version.

(A) Live aquatic animals, except ornamental fish and marine aquatic animals as provided in R58-17-4(2), unless the ornamental fish are determined a risk pursuant to R58-17-2(A)(24), may be acquired, purchased, sold or transferred only from sources which have been granted health approval by the Department pursuant to this section. This applies to separate facilities owned by the same individual and to both in-state and out-of-state facilities.

(1) The Department shall be responsible for granting health approval and assigning a health approval number to aquaculture facilities in Utah, and to any out-of-state sources pursuant to 4-37-501(1). The Division shall be responsible for granting health approval and assigning a health approval number to public aquaculture facilities within the state, and for the movement of live aquatic animals from wild populations in waters of the state pursuant to 4-37-501(1).

(2) The Department is responsible for granting health approval for the importation into or transportation through Utah of aquatic animals.

(3) The Board may review health approval actions of the Department or the Division.

(B) Basis for Health Approval:

(1) Health approval for salmonid aquatic animals is based on the statistical attribute sampling of each lot of aquatic animals at the facility in accordance with current Blue Book procedures. This shall require minimum sampling at the 95% confidence level, assuming a 5% carrier prevalence for the prohibited pathogens, pursuant to R58-17-15(D)(2) and (3). Health approval is applied to the entire facility, not individual lots of aquatic animal.

(2) All lots of aquatic animals shall be sampled.

(3) For brood facilities, lethal sampling may be required on

the brood aquatic animals if the following conditions exist:

(a) Progeny are not available at the facility for lethal sampling;or

(b) A statistically valid sample of ovarian fluids from ripe females is not tested.

(4) Collection, transportation and laboratory testing of the samples will follow standard procedures specified by the Department, the Division and the Board. Inspections will be conducted under the direction of an individual certified by the American Fisheries Society as a fish health inspector.

(5) EGG ONLY sources - A facility which cannot gain full health approval because of a horizontally transmitted pathogen, may be approved to sell eggs provided the eggs are free of the listed vertically transmitted pathogens pursuant to R58-17-15(D)(1) and are properly disinfected using approved methods prior to shipment. Eggs may be required to be from incubation units isolated from hatchery and open water supplies and to be from aquatic animal-free water sources.

(6) Health approval for non-salmonid aquatic animals is based on specific pathogen testing for that identified aquatic animal as per R58-17-15(D). This shall require minimum sampling at the 95% confidence level, assuming a 5% carrier prevalence for the prohibited pathogens, pursuant to R58-17-15(D)(2) and (3). In addition, the agency having responsibility pursuant to R58-17-15(A)(1) and (2) will discuss the disease history of the facility with the producer, and then contact acceptable fish health professionals to identify other existing or potential disease problems.

(a) An exemption for a statistical attribute sampling of each lot of fish may be granted for non-salmonid species that reside in the same water source throughout their life history and are of equal pathogen susceptibility. In which case, a representative composite sample of 60 fish.

(7) Under no circumstances shall health approval be granted to a facility if any lots test positive for pathogens listed in R58-17-15(D)(2) or (3) or if any of the same pathogens contaminate the facility's production waters or water source.

(1) Applicable to all aquatic animals.

(a) To receive initial health approval, inspection reports or other evidence of the disease status of an aquaculture facility or public aquaculture facility must be submitted to the appropriate agency (see R58-17-15(A)(1) and (2)). Applicants seeking initial approval and annual renewal for non-salmonid aquatic animals shall complete and submit forms provided by the Department or Division. Initial approval also requires the applicant to include information on origins of the aquatic animals at the facility, available disease histories by means of a facility disease history report and a five year disease history report, and aquatic animal transfer histories. The same application materials shall be required annually for renewal of health approval for activities occurring between applications.

(b) Inspections are conducted pursuant to Utah Code Section 4-37-502 and this rule to detect the presence of any prohibited pathogens listed under R58-17-15(D)(2) and (3). Overt disease need not be evident to disqualify a facility. To qualify for initial and renewal of health approval, evidence must be available verifying that prohibited pathogens listed under R58-17-15(D)(2) and (3) are not present.

(c) Once requirements for health approval have been met, the facility shall be added to the health approval list of the responsible agency and assigned a health approval number for the current year. Health approval of each facility shall be reviewed annually for continuance on the lists maintained by the Department and the Division pursuant to R58-17-15(A)(1).

(d) The Department will report all confirmed results of pathogens pursuant to R58-17-15(D) for sources under its jurisdiction at each meeting of the Board.

(e) Public aquaculture facilities and wild brood stocks are included on the health approval list maintained by the Division. The Division will report all confirmed results of pathogens pursuant to R58-17-15(D) for sources under its jurisdiction at each meeting of the Board.

(f) If all aquatic animals are removed from an approved facility for a period of three months or more, or if health approval is canceled or denied, then subsequent health approval may be granted only after the facility owner has satisfactorily reapplied pursuant to R58-17-15(C).

(2) Applicable to salmonid aquatic animals:

(a) For initial approval of new facilities, two inspections of the same lot, at least four months apart and negative for any prohibited pathogen listed in R58-17-15(D)(2) and (3), are required. The aquatic animals must have been at the facility at least six months prior to the first inspection. During the inspections, the aquatic animals shall be reared for appropriate periods in waters from one source, and lots from all source waters at a facility shall be inspected.

(b) For initial approval of existing facilities, health inspection reports for a minimum of the previous two years, and facility disease history reports for up to the previous five years and five-year disease histories for all stocks transferred to the facility are required.

(c) All lots of aquatic animals at the facility as well as any outside sources of these aquatic animals must be inspected for initial approval and for renewals pursuant to R58-17-15(B)(4).

(d) After initial approval, annual inspections shall be conducted to renew health approval. A two-month grace period is granted at the completion of the annual inspection for laboratory testing of samples and reporting of test results. This is to allow the facility to conduct business while awaiting test results. Health inspection reports, the facility disease history for at least the previous year, and disease histories for at least the previous year for all stocks imported to the facility shall be required before each renewal.

(3) Applicable to non-salmonid aquatic animals:

(a) For approval of facilities, one inspection of aquatic animals to be approved from the pond, reservoir, or holding facility and negative testing of an appropriate attribute sample for any applicable prohibited pathogen pursuant to R58-17-15(D)(2) and (3)is required. A composite sample of 60 aquatic animals of the same lot from all ponds in the shipment from the same water source may be accepted in lieu of a full attribute sample.

(b) In addition, a written report is required from an acceptable fish health professional stating that no clinical signs of any infectious aquatic animal disease are ongoing and that certain pathogens are not infecting the species to be imported at the time of importation.

(D) Prohibited and reportable pathogen list:

(1) Pathogens requiring control are classified as emergency prohibited, prohibited, or reportable. Those pathogens denoted by an asterisk (*) preceding the name will only be tested for if the aquatic animals or eggs originate from an area where the pathogen is found. Pathogens denoted by a double asterisk (**) after the name can only be transmitted in aquatic animals and not in the eggs, therefore permitting the special provisions for egg only sources provided in R58-17-2(A)(10) and R58-17-15(B)(5). Excluding Artemia cysts, aquatic shrimp and prawns are not marketed as eggs, thus exempting shrimp and prawns from the egg-only provisions. However, the egg-only provision may be applied should shrimp or prawns be marketed as eggs and the Department or Division determines a vertically transmissible, emergency prohibited pathogen is present. Pathogens of aquatic shrimp and prawns are denoted with a triple asterisk (***) after the name. Pathogens that are inspected using the most current OIE Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals are denoted with the pound sign (#) after the name.

(2) Emergency prohibited pathogens.

(a) Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV).

(b) Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV).

(d) *Oncorhynchus masou virus (OMV).

(e) Spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV).

(f) *Epizootic hematopoietic necrosis virus (EHNV)#.

(g) White spot syndrome virus (WSSV)***#.

(h) Yellow head virus (YHV)***#.

(i) Taura syndrome virus (TSV)***#.

(j) Infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV)***#.

(3) Prohibited pathogens.

(a) Myxobolus cerebralis (whirling disease)**.

(b) Renibacterium salmoninarum (bacterial kidney disease (BKD)).

(d) Bothriocephalus (Asian tapeworm disease bothriocephalosis)**.

(e) *Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae or PKX (proliferative kidney disease (PKD))**.

(f) Emerging aquatic animal pathogens the State Veterinarian considers a threat to state aquatic resources, including any filterable agent or agent of clinical significance as determined by the Board.

(4) Reportable pathogens.

(a) Yersinia ruckeri (enteric redmouth disease)**.

(b) Aeromonas salmonicida (furunculosis disease)**.

(d) Any emerging aquatic animal pathogens the State Veterinarian considers a threat to the state aquatic resources including any filterable agent or agent of clinical significance as determined by the Board.

(5) The Procedures for the Timely Reporting of Pathogens shall be followed if any emergency prohibited, prohibited, or reportable pathogen is found. Inspection for reportable pathogens is optional, but positive findings of these pathogens must be reported to the Board. Reporting of unregulated pathogens to the Board is not required.

(6) The Emergency Response Procedures shall be activated any time a confirmed finding or unconfirmed evidence of an emergency prohibited or prohibited pathogen is reported.

R58-17-16. Inspection of Records and Facilities

Latest version.

(A) Except as otherwise provided in R657-16-9 and R657-59-12, the following records shall be maintained for a period of up to five years and be available for inspection during reasonable hours by the appropriate agency pursuant to R58-17-4.

(1) Purchase, acquisition, distribution, and production histories of live aquatic animals.

(2) CORs and entry permits.

(3) Valid identification of stocks, including origin of stocks.

(B) The appropriate agency representatives pursuant to R58-17-4 and Utah Codes 4-1-4, 4-31-16 and 23-15-10 and under appropriate regulatory responsibility may conduct pathological or physical investigations at any registered facility, private fish ponds and aquatic animals being imported or transported in vehicles, during reasonable hours if there is cause to believe that a disease condition exists or as otherwise authorized in R58-17-7, R58-17-17 (D), R657-59 and R657-16. Any laboratory testing as a result of this investigation will be at the owner's expense if evidence indicates that R58-17 has been violated pursuant to the investigation.

R58-17-17. Aquaculture Facilities, Aquatic Animal Processing Plants, Brokers

Latest version.

(A) COR required:

A COR is required to operate an aquaculture facility or a aquatic animal processing plant and to act as a broker. A separate COR and fee are required for each facility defined under "aquaculture facility", Section 4-37-103(2), regardless of ownership.

(B) Live aquatic animals may be sold or transferred:

The operator of an aquaculture facility with health approval may take the aquatic animals as authorized on the COR from the facility at any time and offer them for sale. Within Utah, live aquatic animals can only be sold to other facilities which have a valid COR for that species. Aquatic animal processing plants dealing with salmonids shall neither hold nor sell live salmonids.

(C) Fee-fishing facility and/or aquatic animal processing plant allowed: The operator of an aquaculture facility may also operate a fee-fishing facility pursuant to R58-17-18 and/or a aquatic animal processing plant pursuant to R58-17-17 and R58-17-13(G) and (H), provided the fee-fishing facility or the aquatic animal processing plant is within one half mile distance from the aquaculture facility, contains only those species authorized on the COR for the aquaculture facility, and this activity is listed on the COR for the aquaculture facility.

(D) Receipts required: Any sale, shipment, or transfer of live aquatic animals from an in-state approved source, aquaculture facility or a broker must be accompanied by a receipt. A receipt book or the electronic equivalent will be provided by the Department upon request. Copies of all receipts will be submitted to the Department with the annual report. The receipt will contain:

(1) Names, addresses, phone numbers, COR numbers, COR expiration dates, aquatic animal health approval numbers and expiration dates of sources.

(2) Number, strain name, species name, age/size, reproductive capability and weight being shipped.

(3) Names, addresses and phone numbers of destinations.

(4) COR numbers and COR expiration dates for destinations excluding private fish pond owners that qualify to operate without a COR.

(5) Dates of transactions.

(6) Signatures of seller and buyer or as otherwise required in R657-59.

(E) Annual reports required:

Aquaculture facility owners, aquatic animal processing plant owners, and brokers shall submit annual reports of all sales, transfers, and purchases to the Department at the time of the COR renewal, pursuant to R58-17-8(B)(2). Report forms will be provided by the Department.

(1) The report will contain:

(a) Names, addresses, phone numbers, COR numbers and health approval numbers of sources.

(b) Number, size and weight by species.

(d) Dates of transactions.

(2) Copies of receipts pursuant to R58-17-17(D), shall be submitted as part of the annual report to the Department.

(3) Reports shall be submitted to the Department by December 31 each year and must be received before a COR will be renewed. If the report, application, receipts and fee are not received by December 31 pursuant to R58-17-8(B), the COR will no longer be valid and regulatory action may be initiated pursuant to R58-17-8(B)(3). For sales made after submittal of the annual report and before January 1, the facility owner shall submit an addendum report that is due by January 31.

(4) The report made by operators of aquatic animal processing plants shall also contain all purchases and transfers to and from the facility and shall address proper methods of disposal with dates and locations pursuant to R58-17-13(G) and (H).

(F) Fees assessed:

The initial and annual renewal COR fee for aquaculture facilities, brokers, and aquatic animal processing plants is $150.00, pursuant to Section 4-37-301.

(G) The COR holder shall keep a copy of CORs, reports, and records on file for two years pursuant to 4-37-110.

R58-17-18. Fee-Fishing Facilities

Latest version.

(A) COR required:

A COR is required to operate a fee-fishing facility. A separate COR is necessary for separate fee-fishing facilities as defined under "aquaculture facility", Section 4-37-103(2), regardless of ownership.

(B) Live sales or transfers prohibited:

The operator of a fee-fishing facility may not sell, donate, or otherwise transfer live aquatic animals, except when the approved species may be transferred into the same facility from an approved source.

A fishing license is not required to take aquatic animals at a fee-fishing facility.

(D) Receipts required:

To transport dead aquatic animals from a fee-fishing facility, the customer (owner associations and catch and release operations are exempt) shall receive from the operator a receipt which includes:

(1) Name, address, COR number, COR expiration date and phone number of the facility.

(2) Date caught.

(3) Species and number of fish.

(E) Annual report required:

The operator of a fee-fishing facility shall submit to the Department an annual report of all live aquatic animals purchased or acquired during the year. A report form will be provided by the Department. This report must contain:

(1) Names, addresses, phone numbers, health approval numbers, COR numbers and COR expiration dates of all sources.

(2) Number, size and weight by species.

(3) Dates of purchase and acquisition of aquatic animals.

(F) Fees assessed and annual report deadline:

(1) The initial and annual renewal fee for a fee fishing COR is $30.00, pursuant to 4-37-301.

(2) Holders of CORs, who renew applications including report, receipts, and fee after December 31 pursuant to R58-17-17(E)(3), shall be assessed a $25.00 late fee. If the application, report, receipts and fee are not received by December 31 pursuant to R58-17-8(B)(1), the COR will be no longer valid and regulatory action may be initiated pursuant to R58-17-8(B)(3).

(G) The COR holder shall keep a copy of CORs, reports, logs, and records on file for two years pursuant to 4-37-110.

R58-17-19. Public Aquaculture, Private Fish Ponds, Institutional Aquaculture Facilities, Short Term Fishing Events, Private Stocking and Displays

Latest version.

Details on the COR and regulatory requirements pursuant to R58-17-4 for operating public aquaculture, private fish ponds, institutional aquaculture facilities, short term fishing events, private stocking and displays are found in Division of Wildlife Resources' Rules R657-16 and R657-59.

R58-17-20. Classification of Pathogens

Latest version.

TABLE

I. Emergency prohibited pathogens are pathogens that cause high

morbidity and high mortality, are exotic to Utah, and require

immediate action. These pathogens generally cannot be treated

and shall be controlled through avoidance, eradication, and

disinfection.

Pathogen Classification Species Inspection

Requirement/

Comment

Infectious Emergency Salmonids

Hematopoietic Prohibited

Necrosis Virus

(IHNV)

Infectious Emergency All May be isolated

Pancreatic Prohibited susceptible from many species

Necrosis Virus hosts of aquatic

(IPNV)/Aquatic organisms

Birnaviruses

Viral Hemorrhagic Emergency Salmonids,

Septicemia Virus Prohibited pike, herring

(VHSV) turbot,

pilchard, etc.

Oncorhynchus Emergency Salmonids

Masou Virus Prohibited

(OMV)

Spring Viremia Emergency All Required use

Of Carp Virus Prohibited cyprinids of Bluebook

(SVCV) esocids designated,

Shrimp cell lines;

inspection

requirement shall

be applied as

needed to koi and

ornamental fish

Epizootic Emergency Salmonids, Required only for

Hematopoietic Prohibited percids, fish from endemic

Necrosis Virus ictalurids, areas; use OIE

(EHNV) silurids, Manual for test

Gambusia, protocol

etc.

White Spot Emergency Freshwater Protocol for

Syndrome Virus Prohibited or marine testing in OIE

(WSSV) shrimp Manual

Yellow Head Virus Emergency Freshwater Protocol for

(YHV) Prohibited or marine testing in OIE

shrimp Manual

Taura Syndrome Emergency Freshwater Protocol for

Virus (TSV) Prohibited or marine testing in OIE

Shrimp Manual

Infectious Emergency Freshwater Protocol for

Hypodermal and Prohibited or marine testing in OIE

Hematopoietic shrimp Manual

Necrosis Virus

(IHHNV)

II. Prohibited pathogens are pathogens that can cause high

morbidity or high mortality, may be endemic to Utah, and

require action in a reasonable time. Prohibited pathogens are

generally very difficult or impossible to treat and can only

be controlled through avoidance, eradication, and

disinfection, etc.

Myxobolus Prohibited Salmonids Focus on more

cerebralis susceptible

(Whirling Disease) species as per

Bluebook

Renibacterium Prohibited Salmonids Required for

salmoninarum salmonid species

(Bacterial with more

Kidney Disease, frequently

BKD) reported clinical

disease, such as

Pacific salmon,

brook trout, lake

trout, Atlantic

salmon, grayling,

etc.

Ceratomyxa shasta Prohibited Salmonids Inspect fish only

from reported

endemic areas

Bothriocephalus Prohibited All Mosquito fish

acheilognathi cyprinids, (Gambusia affinis)

(Asian tapeworm) one Poecilid is the poecilid

regulated under

this section

Tetracapsuloides Prohibited Salmonids Inspect fish only

bryosalmonae from reported

(proliferative endemic areas

kidney disease,

PKD)

III. Reportable pathogens are pathogens that are generally

prevented using good management practices. Reportable pathogens

are not prohibited in Utah, but may be prohibited in some other

states or countries (see R58-17-20). Inspections are not

required for reportable pathogens, but all positive findings

must be reported to the Board.

Yersinia Reportable Any fresh No inspection

ruckeri water fish requirement in

(Enteric Utah

redmouth

Disease)

Aeromonas Reportable Any fresh No inspection

salmonicida water fish requirement in

(furunculosis Utah

disease)

Centrocestus Reportable Any fresh No inspection

Formosanus water fish requirement in

Utah

R58-17-21. Fish Health Policy Board Electronic Meetings

Latest version.

(A) Utah Code Section 52-4-207 authorizes a public body to convene or conduct an electronic meeting provided written procedures are established for such meetings. This rule establishes procedures for conducting Fish Health Policy Board meetings by electronic means.

(B) The following provisions govern any meeting at which one or more Fish Health Policy Board members appear telephonically or electronically pursuant to Section 52-4-207:

(1) If one or more board members participate in a public meeting electronically or telephonically, public notices of the meeting shall specify:

(a) the board members participating in the meeting electronically and how they will be connected to the meeting;

(b) the anchor location where interested persons and the public may attend, monitor, and participate in the open portions of the meeting;

(d) the date and time of the meeting.

(2) Written or electronic notice of the meeting and the agenda shall be posted or provided no less than 24 hours prior to the meeting:

(a) at the anchor location;

(b) on the Utah Public Notice Website; and

(3) Notice of the possibility of an electronic meeting shall be given to board members at least 24 hours before the meeting. In addition, the notice shall describe how a board member may participate in the meeting electronically or telephonically.

(4) When notice is given of the possibility of a board member appearing electronically or telephonically, any board member may do so and shall be counted as present for purposes of a quorum and may fully participate and vote on any matter coming before the board.

(a) At the commencement of the meeting, or at such time as any board member initially appears electronically or telephonically, the chair should identify for the record all those who are appearing telephonically or electronically.

(b) Votes by members of the board who are not at the physical location of the meeting shall be confirmed by the chair.

(5) The anchor location, unless otherwise designated in the notice, shall be at the offices of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, 350 North Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, Utah.

(a) The anchor location is the physical location from which the electronic meeting originates or from which the participants are connected.

(b) The anchor location shall have space and facilities so that interested persons and the public may attend, monitor, and participate in the open portions of the meeting.

R58-17-22. Fish Health Policy Board Emergency Meetings

Latest version.

(A) There are times when, due to the necessity of considering matters of an emergency or urgent nature, the public notice provisions of Sections 52-4-202(1) cannot be met. Pursuant to Section 52-4-202(5), the notice requirements in Section 52-4-202(1) may be set aside when unforeseen circumstances require the Fish Health Policy Board to meet and consider matters of an emergency or urgent nature.

(B) The following procedure shall govern any emergency meeting:

(1) No emergency meeting shall be held unless an attempt has been made to notify all of the members of the board of the proposed meeting and a majority of the convened members vote in the affirmative to hold the emergency meeting.

(2) Public notice of the emergency meeting shall be provided as soon as practicable and shall include at a minimum the following:

(a) Posting of the date, time, and place of the meeting and the topics to be considered:

(i) at the offices of the department;

(ii) on the department's web page;

(iii) on the Utah Public Notice Website; and

(iv) at the location where the emergency meeting will be held.

(b) If members of the board appear electronically or telephonically, notice shall comply with the requirements of R58-17-21(B) to the extent practicable.

(3) In convening the emergency meeting and voting in the affirmative to hold the meeting, the board shall affirmatively state and find what unforeseen circumstances have rendered it necessary for the board to hold an emergency meeting to consider matters of an emergency or urgent nature such that the ordinary public notice provisions of Utah Code Section 52-4-202 could not be followed.