Aquaculture Related Defintions
Familiarity with some basic legal definitions is crucial to a
thorough understanding of aquaculture, fish sales, and wildlife
laws. Here are some basic definitions:
- Wildlife - refers to those species of animals
(mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, and
mollusks) indigenous to Georgia.
- Wild Animal - means any animal not indigenous
to (exotics) Georgia and not normally a domesticated species. This
group would include practically all exotic animals. Tilapia and
grass carp are examples of fish that are included in this
definition.
- Domesticated Species - are those animals that
have traditionally lived in a state of dependence on and under the
dominion and control of mankind and have been kept as tame pets or
livestock. These may be possessed without permits.
- Domestic Fish Species - are lawfully obtained
farmed fish which are held in confinement in private ponds, but
only if they are fish species which are either indigenous to
Georgia or are fish species which have been recognized before 1992
as having an established population in Georgia's public
waters. White perch (Morone americana) cannot be
considered a domestic fish.
- Game Fish - are the fish listed in
OCGA 27-1-2(36) except for domestic fish
as defined above and provide for in OCGA 27-1-2(23).
Full legal definitions for items covered under the Game and Fish
Code are contained in OCGA 27-1-2.
