Koi Industry at Risk: How You Can Help
Today, we received an email with the above title in the email! Evidently the Center for Invasive Species Prevention (CISP) has petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to add 43 species of fish to the Injurious Species list. Included on the list? Koi! If the species is added to the Injurious Species list, it will be illegal to transport them across state lines. Importation and production of koi will no longer be economically feasible and koi retailers will likely lose their businesses, and pond owners will no longer have access to the variety of koi they currently enjoy. As a result of the proposal, the National Aquaculture Association has formulated a plan to fight and oppose the regulation. Aquascape and BR&D are committed to raising awareness of this issue. Below are just a couple of the ways that you can help!
Your Help is Needed
We hope you’ll join our efforts by following the simple steps below.
- Spread the word. Let other pond owners know what is at stake if koi are added to the Injurious Species list. Share the news with your local water garden club, or post about this issue on social media.
- Contact your elected officials to voice your disagreement with this proposed regulation change. Call, write, or email their office with your concerns. You can find your elected officials here.
Instructions for Petitioning U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Download the petition
- Change the information in the first line to match your name, business, and location.
- Feel free to add any other information that you desire to express your concern.
- Sign your name at the end of the letter.
- Save the file with a unique name.
- Email the letter to craig_martin@fws.gov. Be sure to mention koi and the Injurious Species listing in both the subject line and body of the email.
- Print two copies of the file and mail to the following:
Craig Martin, Chief
Branch of Aquatic Invasive Species
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
5275 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041
and
National Aquaculture Association
PO Box 12759
Tallahassee, FL 32317-2759
Thank you for any support you can provide on this matter. We’re confident that the koi industry and koi enthusiasts like you can successfully push back against this proposed regulation. Thanks and enjoy your oasis!
