Environmental Permits for Aquaculture - Natural Water Body

A permit is required from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for any DATCP-registered fish farm to use a natural body of water for their aquaculture operation. Section 29.733, Wisconsin Statutes establishes the permit program, and NR 16, Wisconsin Administrative Code explains the permit process and requirements for operating a fish farm in a natural body of water.

A waterbody that was licensed by DNR on January 1, 1998 as a private fish hatchery may be eligible for a Grandfathered NR 16 permit. Otherwise, the use of a natural body of water for fish farming is limited to freeze-out ponds, and requires an Initial NR 16 Permit. Under the Initial NR 16 permit review, a permit is only issued if DNR determines that no substantial public interest exists in the body of water and that no public or private rights in the body of water will be damaged. If a property is sold, a permit is required to transfer an NR 16 permit to the new owner.

To apply for an NR 16 permit, fill out Form 3600-227 [PDF 22KB] and submit it along with the necessary attachments to your local Fish Farm Environmental Permits Coordinator.

The fees for an NR 16 permit are as follows:

• $50 - Grandfathered NR 16 permit
• $100 - Transfer of NR 16 permit
• $500 - Initial NR 16 permit

For more information, you can download our factsheet Natural Waterbody Permits for Fish Farms [PUB FH-060, July 2002, PDF, 547KB] or contact your local DNR Fish Farm Environmental Permits Coordinator.

Note: The information provided on this web page is for general orientation purposes only. Do not rely solely on the information provided on these Web pages. For more information, please contact your local DNR Fish Farm Environmental Permits Coordinator.