January 1997

• Locate an accessible water supply with a constant, year-round flow. For existing ponds, determine the surface acreage of water and the average depth. For springs or streams, gauge the water flow in the low-flow season.
  
• Have a water quality test performed on a sample of your water source to determine suitability for aquaculture. Contact your WVU county extension office for details.
  
• Talk with the WVU Extension aquaculture specialist to determine the best type of production system to meet your needs and resources, and to schedule an on-site evaluation for aquaculture. Contact: WVU Extension Service Aquaculture Specialist, Ag. Sciences Bldg., P.O. Box 6108, Morgantown, WV, 26506; 304-293-6131
  
• If pond construction is to be undertaken, contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office to schedule a soil test and to conduct a site evaluation for pond design. NRCS should also be contacted for design of dams or weirs for water collection and delivery to an aquaculture production system.
  
• If aquaculture system construction will involve the diversion of a stream or withdrawal of water from a stream or river, contact your local Division of Natural Resources office for permit information.
  
• Learn about the "land use" history of your watershed. Find out about any previous or ongoing use of herbicides, pesticides, aerial spraying, industrial discharges, mining, timbering, livestock grazing practices, or other activities that could impact or contaminate your water supply, particularly during periods of heavy runoff.
  
• Secure all necessary permits to raise and sell fish in West Virginia. Contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources' Division of Law Enforcement at 304-558-2107.
  
• Comply with state and federal food health and safety regulations and consider implementing a HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) plan for your proposed aquaculture production facility. For assistance, contact the West Virginia Department of Agriculture aquaculture inspector Bill Warnick at 304-269-3700.
  
• Evaluate the available market for your product in your local area, and the availability of processing for your product. For assistance, contact the West Virginia Department of Agriculture marketing specialist Rob Nichols at 304-558-2210.
  
• Visit other aquaculture operations in the state to observe system operation and management. Contact the West Virginia Aquaculture Association, Rob Nichols, secretary, at 304-558-2210.