Apply for the introduction of alien and locally absent species in aquaculture

If you operate an aquaculture facility and intend to introduce non-native fish species or relocate alien species, you must submit an application for a permit to the competent authority.

If you operate an aquaculture facility and intend to introduce non-native fish species or relocate alien species, you must submit an application for approval to the competent authority of the EU Member State. In Germany, the higher fisheries authorities of the respective federal states are responsible. The competent authority examines your application and decides whether it is a routine or non-routine procedure. Depending on the decision, further circumstances/environmental factors are examined. Permits can only be issued if the risk assessment, including any risk mitigation measures, indicates a low environmental risk.

• Documents and information in accordance with the guideline in "Annex 1" of the EU Regulation (see link Basis for action). The application must include the following information:

• Description of the project
• Potential impact on native species
• Measures to minimize these impacts
• Name of the organism to be introduced/relocated, stating the genus, species, subspecies, etc.
• Characteristics of the organism
• Objectives and reasons for the introduction
• The geographical area affected by the introduction; documentation for the approval of a contingency plan for non-routine introductions and pilot phases ("Annex I - G. Management plan")
• Information on risk mitigation measures must be provided where appropriate

• You are an aquaculture operator.
• The fish species and non-target species that you wish to introduce/relocate must not lead to negative ecological impacts.

• Objection
• Complaint

• You submit the application for import/relocation in writing to the competent authority.
• You also submit all information and documents in accordance with Guideline Annex 1.
• The authority examines your application and decides whether it is a routine or non-routine procedure.
• Permits can only be issued if a risk assessment, including any risk mitigation measures, indicates a low environmental risk.

The submission of the application does not depend on a specific deadline. However, with regard to the processing time, you should submit the application at least 6 months before the planned project. The competent authority generally has 6 months to process the application. Applications can also be submitted for several movements (introduction/relocation) over a maximum period of seven years.

The costs are highly dependent on various factors, especially the amount of work involved. The costs can be requested in advance

The application must be submitted before the introduction/relocation of non-native or alien species. Some species are exempt from the permit requirement. A list can be found in Annex IV of the regulation.