Page 91 - MFB State Annual Meeting 2018 -- RESOLUTIONS BOOK

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similar protocol.
MFB being involved in Michigan Aquaculture Association’s strategic plan development.
We support Michigan State University establishing an aquaculture program that contains dedicated faculty to support and enhance the aquaculture industry. The program should include research, extension and demonstration and be housed under an agricultural development department. Industry-developed herd plans to include the option for slaughter surveillance testing, where feasible, and be implemented on a voluntary basis with MDARD being the lead agency.
Development of science-based aquaculture disease control policies that also take into account indemnification of losses to producers.
The right of commercial fishermen to pursue fishing operations in a responsible manner. The DNR should not adopt regulations more restrictive than those applied to tribal fisheries.
MDARD having authority over commercial fishing when the fish leave the net.
Allocation of funds for research to more effectively manage and utilize this natural resource.
Efforts of the commercial fishing industry to establish a program under PA 232 of 1965.
The adoption of Best Management Practices (BMP) as NPDES permit compliance, rather than individual permits with numerical discharge limitations for all aquaculture facilities. If individual permits are required, it should only be for facilities that produce over 20,000 pounds annually and only if on a one- page permit application.
Streamlining the NPDES permit process by developing a general permit based on BMPs to reduce water testing requirements.
The ability to conduct aquaculture production in current and prior converted wetlands and within the Natural Rivers districts.
Enabling legislation and/or the regulatory framework to allow for the development of a properly regulated open water net pen aquaculture/cage culture of fish in the Great Lakes and other water bodies.
Development of a national aquaculture check-off program. 
State Policies – Page 5