Case Law Index Aquaculture

January 1, 1985 – May 3, 2022

This index provides a comprehensive though not necessarily complete compilation of reported and unreported federal and state court decisions involving Aquaculture that were decided between the dates listed above.  The cases are listed in reverse chronological order.  The “Text” link goes to the freely available Google Scholar text of the opinion.  These listings are for educational purposes only, and are not a substitute for legal counsel.


SUPREME COURT

Cal. Coastal Com. v. Granite Rock Co., 480 U.S. 572 (1987) (Protection for coastal aquaculture as agency consideration factor) Text

Maine v. Taylor, 477 U.S. 131 (1986) (dispute over transportation of fish in interstate commerce)  Text


FIRST CIRCUIT

U.S. Pub. Interest Research Group v. Atlantic Salmon of Maine, LLC., 339 F.3d 23 (1st Cir. 2008) (app ct. ruling in citizen suit brought by environmental organizations alleging that salmon farms released pollutants into water in violation of CWA)   Text

U.S. Pub. Interest Research Group v. Atlantic Salmon of Maine, LLC, 307 F.Supp.2d 187 (D. Me. 2004) (court order for contempt for citizen suit brought by environmental organizations alleging that salmon farms released pollutants into water in violation of CWA)  Text

U.S. Pub. Interest Research Group v. Atlantic Salmon of Maine, LLC., 261 F.Supp.2d 17 (D. Me. 2003) (ruling holding aquaculture operator in contempt after judgment in environmental group’s citizen suit against offshore salmon farm operator for violations of CWA)  Text

U.S. Pub. Interest Research Group v. Atlantic Salmon of Maine, LLC., 273 F.Supp.2d 126 (D. Me. 2003) (motion for stay in injunction granted to environmental organizations in CWA citizen suit)  Text

U.S. Pub. Interest Research Group v. Atlantic Salmon of Maine, LLC., 215 F.Supp.2d 239 (D. Me. 2002) ( judgment for environmental group in group’s citizen suit against offshore salmon farm operator for violations of CWA)  Text

U.S. Pub. Interest Research Group v. Stolt Sea Farm, Inc., No. CIV.00-149-B-C, 2002 WL 240386 (D. Me. Feb. 19, 2002)(CWA citizen suit for alleged discharge of pollutants) Text

Ace Lobster Co., Inc. v. Evans, 165 F. Supp. 2d 148 (D. R.I. 2001) (dispute over lobster trap regulations)   Text

U.S. Pub. Interest Research Group v. Crawford, CIV. 00-150-B-C, 2001 WL 987441 (D. Me. Aug. 28, 2001) (Clean Water Act violation by salmon farmer)

State v. Dir., U.S. Fish & Wildlife Serv., 262 F.3d 13 (1st Cir. 2001) (challenging designation of Atlantic Salmon as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act)   Text

Hy-On-A-Hill Trout Farm, Inc. v. Glickman, CIV. 00-443-JD, 2001 WL 873049 (D. N.H. July 31, 2001) (dispute over Crop Disaster Program benefits to aquaculture farmers)

Maine v. U.S. Dep’t. of Interior, 124 F. Supp. 2d 728 (D. Me. 2000) aff’d in partvacated in part, 285 F.3d 126 (1st Cir. 2002) opinion amended and superseded sub nom. State of Maine v. U.S. Dep’t. of Interior, 298 F.3d 60 (1st Cir. 2002) and aff’d in partvacated in partrev’d in part sub nom. State of Maine v. U.S. Dep’t. of Interior, 298 F.3d 60 (1st Cir. 2002) (dispute over obligation to disclose information regarding a proposal to list the Atlantic salmon as a discrete population segment)  Text

Associated Fisheries of Maine, Inc. v. Daley, 127 F.3d 104 (1st Cir. 1997) (claim brought by fishermen arguing adverse effects on fishing industry brought on by statute)   Text

Gulf of Maine Trawlers v. United States, 674 F. Supp. 927 (D. Me. 1987) (challenging the legality of seizure and subsequent sale of fish)  Text


SECOND CIRCUIT

United States v. Knauer, — 707 F.Supp.2d 379 —-, 2010 WL 1608853 (E.D.N.Y. 2010) (misdemeanor offense of harming or harassing wildlife by harvesting horseshoe crabs)  Text

Fund for Animals v. Kempthorne, 538 F.3d 124 (2d Cir. 2008) (challenge to public resource depredation order on double-crested cormorant caught killing aquaculture stock)   Text

Fund for Animals v. Norton, 365 F.Supp.2d 394 (S.D.N.Y. 2005) (challenge to public resource depredation order on double-crested cormorant caught killing aquaculture stock)   Text


THIRD CIRCUIT

Zitter v. Petruccelli, 744 Fed.Appx.90 (3rd Cir. 2018) (oyster farmer had no cognizable interest in oysters) Text

 


FOURTH CIRCUIT

Hedrick v. So. States Co-op. Inc., No. 4:10-CV-12-JG, 2010 WL 3834631 (E.D. N.C. Sept. 30, 2010) (failure of tilapia fishery to provide adequate compensation to aquaculture specialist)  Text

Gibbs v. Babbitt, 214 F.3d 483 (Cir. 4th, 2000) (dispute over constitutionality of Endangered Species Act in regards to natural resources)  Text

N. Carolina Fisheries Ass’n, Inc. v. Daley, 16 F. Supp. 2d 647 (E.D. Va. 1997) (dispute over quota for fishermen to land summer flounder)   Text


FIFTH CIRCUIT

Gulf Fishermens Ass’n v. Nat’l Marine Fisheries Serv., 968 F.3d 454 (5th Cir. 2020) (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act did not authorize the regulation of aquaculture) Text

Gulf Fishermens Association v. Nat’l Marine Fisheries Serv., 341 F.Supp.3d 632 (E.D. La. Sept. 25, 2018) (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act does not authorize regulation of aquaculture) Text

United States v. Winemiller, No. 4:06CR124-P-D, 2009 WL 331544 (N.D. Miss. Feb. 10, 2009) (fraudulent weights of catfish per pond) Text

First Specialty Ins. Corp. v. U.S. Aquaculture Licensing, No. 1:07CV98-SA, 2008 WL 5191668 (N.D. Miss. Dec. 10, 2008) (insurance question regarding death of catfish on third party’s property) Text

Tullous v. Texas Aquaculture Processing Co. LLC., 579 F.Supp.2d 811 (S.D.Tex. 2008) (was the catfish operation separate and independent from the farming aspect of the business?)  Text

Sutton v. Advanced Aquaculture Sys., 621 F. Supp. 2d 435 (W.D. Tex. 2007) (contract dispute over installed aquaculture systems) Text

Piazza’s Seafood World, LLC v. Odom, 448 F.3d 744(5th Cir. 2006) (appellate ruling on challenge to LA’s catfish labeling law, and one that regulates the use of the word “Cajun”) Text

Piazza’s Seafood World, LLC v. Odom, No. Civ.A. 04-690, 2004 WL 2998575 (E.D. La. Dec. 23, 2004) (motion for reconsideration in challenge to LA’s catfish labeling law and one that regulates the use of the word “Cajun”)  Text

Piazza’s Seafood World, LLC v. Odom, No. Civ.A. 04-690, 2004 WL 1375306 (E.D. La. June 17, 2004) (challenge to LA’s catfish labeling law and one that regulates the use of the word “Cajun”) Text

Delta Commercial Fisheries Ass’n v. Gulf of Mexico Fishery Mgmt. Council, 364 F.3d 269 (5th Cir. 2004) (appellate court ruling on dismissal for standing in action by commercial fisheries association regarding membership of regional fishery management council)  Text

Delta Commercial Fisheries Ass’n v. Gulf of Mexico Fishery Mgmt. Council, 259 F.Supp.2d 511 (E.D. La. 2003) (dismissal for standing in action by commercial fisheries association regarding membership of regional fishery management council)  Text

Belgard v. U.S. Dep’t of Agric., 324 F.3d 328 (5th Cir. 2003), aff’g, 185 F.Supp.2d 647 (W.D. La. 2001) (disaster assistance for losses to catfish fingerlings was reduced by normal mortality rate)   Text

Belgard v. U.S. Dep’t of Agric., 185 F. Supp. 2d 647 (W.D. La. 2001) aff’d sub nom. Belgard v. U.S. Dep’t. of Agric., 324 F.3d 328 (5th Cir. 2003) (calculation of payment that catfish farmers received through the CLDAP)   Text

United States v. Hinote, 823 F. Supp. 1350 (S.D. Miss. 1993) (conspiring to fix price of catfish products entailed criminal liability)  Text

Matter of Bristow, 879 F.2d 151 (5th Cir. 1989) (dispute over access to leased fish ponds)  Text

State of Miss., ex rel. Moore v. Marsh, 710 F. Supp. 1488 (S.D. Miss. 1989) (whether the environmental impact statement is required for river maintenance project)   Text

In re Findley, 76 B.R. 547 (Bankr. N.D. Miss. 1987) (whether farm raised catfish qualifies as “crop” for security interest purpose)   Text


SIXTH CIRCUIT

United States v. Defriese, 145 F.3d 1334 (6th Cir. 1998) (defrauding investors in connection with fish-farm investment)

Joint Bd. of Control of Flathead, Mission & Jocko Irr. Districts v. United States, 832 F.2d 1127 (9th Cir. 1987) (dispute over tribal fishing rights)   Text

United States v. Larkins, 657 F. Supp. 76 (W.D. Ky. 1987) aff’d, 852 F.2d 189 (6th Cir. 1988) (alleged damage to aquatic environment and harm to fish and wildlife resources)   Text


SEVENTH CIRCUIT

Michigan v. United States Army Corps. Of Eng’rs, 667 F.3d 765 (7th Cir. 2011) (suit against the Army Corps of Engineers who control the flow of water via canals in Michigan when invasive carp began to overpopulate the area) Text

Greenfield Mills, Inc. v. Macklin, 361 F.3d 934 (7th Cir. 2004), aff’g in part and rev’g in part, 189 F.Supp.2d 893 (N.D. Ind. 2002) (takings claim for the draining of a hatchery supply pond)  Text

Barmes v. C.I.R., 12 F. App’x. 415 (7th Cir. 2001) (disallowing casualty loss deduction for the repair of a fish pond) Text


EIGHTH CIRCUIT

Petzoldt v. Glickman, 983 F. Supp. 873 (E.D. Mo. 1997) (holding that aquaculture crop was ineligible for crop insurance through Federal Crop Insurance Corporation)  Text


NINTH CIRCUIT

Coal. to Protect Puget Sound Habitat v. U.S. Army Corps of Eng’rs, 843 Fed.Appx. 77 (9th Cir. 2021) (permit authorizing aquaculture discharges violated CWA) Text

Inst. for Fisheries Res. v. U.S. Food and Drug Admin., 499 F.Supp.3d 657 (N.D. Cal. Nov. 5, 2020) (approval of animal drug for genetically engineered salmon did not consider impact to wild salmon) Text

Coal. to Protect Puget Sound Habitat v. U.S. Army Corps of Eng’rs, 466 F.Supp.3d 1217 (W.D. Wash. June 11, 2020) (vacating CWA permit authorizing aquaculture discharges) Text

Coal. to Protect Puget Sound Habitat v. U.S. Army Corps of Eng’rs, 417 F.Supp.3d 1354 (W.D. Wash. Oct. 10, 2019) (insufficient evidence to show aquaculture would have minimal CWA impact) Text

Wild Fish Conservancy v. U.S. Envtl. Protection Agency, 331 F.Supp.3d 1210 (W.D. Wash. Aug. 07, 2018) (effect of salmon farming net pens within come of required consultation) Text

Olympic Forest Coal. v. Coast Seafoods Co., 884 F.3d 901 (9th Cir. 2018) (discharges from aquatic animal production facility required CWA permit) Text

Wild Fish Conservancy v. Salazar, 628 F.3d 513 (9th Cir. 2010) (whether new fish hatchery jeopardized threatened trout species & hatchery jeopardized endangered bull trout)  Text

Humane Soc. of U.S. v. Locke, 626 F.3d 1040 (9th Cir. 2010) (fishery-related environmental assessments)  Text

Humane Soc’y of U.S. v. Locke, No. 08-36038, 2010 WL 4723195 (9th Cir. Nov. 23, 2010) (protected killing of sea lions that threaten salmon stocks)  Text

Wild Fish Conservancy v. EPA, No. C08-0156-JCC, 2010 WL 1734850 (W.D. Wash. April 28, 2010) (challenge to state regulations exempting salmon farms)  Text

Wild Fish Conservancy v. Quilcene Nat’l Fish Hatchery, No. C08-5585BHS, 2009 WL 3380655 (W.D. Wash. Oct. 19, 2009) (fish hatchery under the Clean Water Act)  Text

Wild Fish Conservancy v. Kempthorne, 613 F.Supp.2d 1209 (E.D. Wash. 2009) (challenging the operation of a fish hatchery)  Text

United States v. Washington, No. CV 9213, 2008 WL 2474594 (W.D. Wash. June 13, 2008) (dispute over the right to harvest clams from commercial shellfish beds)   Text

Ass’n to Protect Hammersley, Eld, & Totten Inlets v. Taylor Res. Inc., 299 F.3d 1007 (9th Cir. 2002) (landowners’ advocacy organization action against shellfish producer, alleging CWA violations from mussel harvesting facilities)  Text

Alcala v. Dir., Office of Workers Comp. Programs, U.S. Dep’t. of Labor, 141 F.3d 942 (9th Cir. 1998) (excluding “aquaculture worker” from LHWCA coverage)   Text

Gill v. LDI, 19 F. Supp. 2d 1188 (W.D. Wash. 1998) (alleged Clean Water Act violations)   Text

United States v. State of Wash., 157 F.3d 630 (9th Cir. 1998) (determining the rights of Indian Tribes to shellfish)   Text

Alliance against IFQs v. Brown, 84 F.3d 343 (9th Cir. 1996) (challenging federal regulations for implementing sablefish and halibut fishery management plan)   Text

Bator v. Supreme Court of the State of Nev., 61 F.3d 909 (9th Cir. 1995) (dispute over permit to create an alligator farm)

Romero v. Kitsap County, 931 F.2d 624 (9th Cir. 1991) (alleged violation of tribe members’ right to gather shellfish in non-reservation areas)   Text

Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe of Indians v. U.S. Dep’t. of Navy, 898 F.2d 1410 (9th Cir. 1990) (alleged threat to the continued viability of an endangered species of fish)   Text


ELEVENTH CIRCUIT

Native Village of Point Hope v. Salazar, No. 1:08-cv-0004-RRB, 2010 WL 2943120 (D. Ala. July 21, 2010) (challenge of decision to offer public lands for oil and gas leasing)  Text

States Coop. v. Melick Aquafeeds, Inc., No. 7:08-cv-13 (HL), 2010 WL 1224089 (M.D. Ga. Mar. 22, 2010) (defective tilapia feed)  Text

United States v. Panhandle Trading, Inc., No. 5:05cr44-RS-ALL, 2006 WL 2226291 (N.D. Fla. Aug. 3, 2006) (fraudulent marketing of foreign fish as “catfish”) Text

Conant v. United States, 786 F.2d 1008 (11th Cir. 1986) (Clean Water Act violation by fish farming ponds owner)   Text


D.C. CIRCUIT

Burke v. Coggins, 521 F.Supp.3d 31 (D. D.C. Feb. 18, 2021) (requiring fisheries to be closed violated the Magnuson Act) Text

Oceana, Inc. v. Ross, No. 15-0555, 2020 WL 5995125 (D. D.C. Oct. 9, 2020) (vacating BiOp determining shrimp fisheries would not harm wildlife) Text

Gulf Restoration Network v. Nat’l Marine Fisheries Service, Nos. 09-1883 (GK), 09-1884 (GK), 2010 WL 3184327 (D. D.C. Aug. 12, 2010) (plan for Regulating Offshore Marine Aquaculture in Gulf of Mexico)  Text

Natural Res. Def. Council, Inc. v. Daley, 209 F.3d 747 (D.C. Cir. 2000) (alleged failure to prevent overfishing)   Text

Se. Fisheries Ass’n, Inc. v. Mosbacher, CIV. A. 86-1948 SSH, 1990 WL 304274 (D. D.C. Aug. 6, 1990) (challenging provisions of fishery management plan)  Text


FEDERAL CIRCUIT

Campo v. United States, 157 Fed.Cl. 584 (Fed. Cl. Dec. 23, 2021) (oyster farmers had compensable property rights in oysters) Text

Steen v. United States, 468 F.3d 1357 (Fed. Cir. 2006) (Pacific salmon fisherman challenge to USDA denial of agricultural trade adjustment assistance benefits)  Text

Earth Island Inst. v. Christopher, 20 C.I.T. 1389 (Ct. Int’l Trade 1996) vacated sub nom. Earth Island Inst. v. Albright, 147 F.3d 1352 (Fed. Cir. 1998) (dispute over embargo on shrimp harvested with technology dangerous for sea turtles)   Text

Earth Island Inst. v. Christopher, 19 C.I.T. 1461 (Ct. Int’l Trade 1995) (action to compel greater enforcement of ESA provisions for protection of endangered sea turtles)   Text

Tharp v. Comm’r, 57 T.C.M. 1190 (T.C. 1989) (catfish cultivators’ federal income tax returns petition)   Text

Conant v. United States, 12 Cl. Ct. 689 (Cl. Ct. 1987) (dispute over construction of commercial fish pond on wetlands contiguous with navigable waters)  Text


COURT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Hiep Thanh Seafood Joint Stock Co. v. United States, No. 09-00270, 2010 WL 4371437 (CIT Nov. 5, 2010) (importation of Vietnamese carp)  Text

Amanda Foods (Vietnam) Ltd. v. United States, No. 08-00301, 2009 WL 3124680 (Ct. Int’l Trade Sept. 29, 2009) (antidumping; valuation of shrimp)  Text

Vinh Quang Fisheries Corp. v. United States, No. 08-00233, 2009 WL 2921298 (Ct. Int’l Trade Sept. 14, 2009) (valuation of unprocessed fish waste)  Text

Catfish Farmers of Am. v. United States, 641 F.Supp.2d 1362 (Ct. Int’l Trade 2009) (remanding to redetermining calculation of net price)  Text

Valley Fresh Seafood, Inc. v. United States, No. 06-001322007, 2007 WL 4380137 (Ct. Int’l Trade Dec. 17, 2007)(challenge to antidumping duty assessment rate determined for exporter and producer of fish filets)

Wooten v. U.S. Sec’y of Agric., 441 F.Supp.2d 1253 (Ct. Int’l Trade 2006) (action by catfish farmer to challenge determination of ineligibility for trade adjustment assistance because his operation lost less money in 2002 than in 2001) Nat’l Fisheries Inst. Inc., v. U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Prot., 465 F.Supp.2d 1300 (Ct. Int’l Trade 2006)(preliminary injunction request in fisheries trade association action against U.S. Customs claiming improper consideration of potential antidumping and countervailing duty liability)   Text

Allied Pacific Food (Dalian) Co. Ltd. v. United States, 435 F.Supp.2d 1295 (Ct. Int’l Trade 2006) (action by seafood exporters challenging less-than-fair-value determination issued by Department of Commerce)  Text

Viet Do v. U.S. Sec’y of Agric., 427 F.Supp.2d 1224 (Ct. Int’l Trade 2006) (action by shrimp producers challenging denial of trade adjustment assistance)  Text

An Giang Agric. & Food Imp. Exp. Co. v. United States, 350 F.Supp.2d 1162 (Ct. Int’l Trade 2004) (challenge by foreign exporter to antidumping duty determination covering frozen fish fillets from Vietnam)  Text

Earth Island Institute v. Christopher, 948 F. Supp. 1062 (Ct. Int’l Trade 1996) (clarification on a statute passed by congress concerning a shrimp embargo). Text


ALABAMA

Portersville Bay Oyster Co., LLC v. Blankenship, 275 So.3d 124 (Ala. 2018) (oyster farmers stated claim against commissioner over project that harmed oyster beds) Text

Ashley’s Seining v. JMK Farms, 9 So.3d 491 (Ala. Civ. App. 2008) (breach of contract action by owner of commercial catfish farm seeking to recover payment allegedly due for the catfish seined and delivered to a processor)   Text

Flying J Fish Farm v. Peoples Bank of Greensboro, 12 So.3d 1185 (Ala. Civ. App. 2008) (duty of bank in lending money to catfish farming operation)  Text

Griffin Wood Co. v. Horton, 859 So.2d 1127 (Ala. Civ. App. 2002) (injured worker on catfish and cattle farm is ineligible for Workers’ Compensation)   Text

Faulk v. Gold Kist, Inc., 599 So. 2d 23 (Ala. 1992) (catfish owner’s trespass action)  Text

St. v. Tackett, 494 So. 2d 13 (Ala. 1986) (suit for damages caused by mud flow and fish destruction)   Text


ALASKA

Vanek v. Bd. of Fisheries, 193 P.3d 283 (2008) (class action by commercial salmon fishers against state’s Board of Fisheries (BOF) that former BOF regulations constituted a taking or damaging of fisher’s property interests without just compensation)  Text

Alaska Trademark Shellfish, LLC v. Dep’t of Fish & Game, 172 P.3d 764 (Alaska 2007) (appeal over the denial of an aquatic farming permit)   Text

Grunert v. Alaska, 109 P.3d 924 (2005) (challenge to the Board of Fisheries regulation creating cooperative fishery and allocating quota of salmon to that fishery)  Text

Alaska Trademark Shellfish, LLC v. Dep’t of Fish & Game, 91 P.3d 953 (Alaska 2004) (denial of an exclusive right to harvest wild geoduck stocks)  Text

Rutter v. State, 963 P.2d 1007 (Alaska 1998) (challenging the allocation of percentage of harvestable chinook salmon)   Text

Kachemak Bay Watch, Inc. v. Noah, 935 P.2d 816 (Alaska 1997) (dispute over aquatic farming permits)  Text

State v. Kenaitze Indian Tribe, 894 P.2d 632 (Alaska 1995) (challenging the constitutionality of subsistence hunting and fishing statute)   Text

Tongass Sport Fishing Ass’n v. State, 866 P.2d 1314 (Alaska 1994) (regulation of number of chinook salmon that may be harvested by commercial and sport fishers)  Text

State v. Hebert, 803 P.2d 863 (Alaska 1990) (dispute over “superexclusive” use fisheries)  Text

McDowell v. State, 785 P.2d 1 (Alaska 1989) (challenging constitutionality of fish and game preference statute)   Text

Johns v. Commercial Fisheries Entry Comm’n, 758 P.2d 1256 (Alaska 1988) (dispute over regulation establishing number of permits for fishery)  Text


CALIFORNIA

Center for Biological Diversity v. Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, 234 Cal. App. 4th Supp. 214, (Cal., 2015). (Mitigation efforts by the Dept. on private fish venders violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA))  Text

Cal. State Grange v. Nat’l Marine Fisheries Serv., 620 F. Supp. 2d 1111 (E.D. Cal. 2008) (Summary judgment for irrigation districts determining that steelhead trout as a threatened species under the ESA)  Text


COLORADO

Danielson v. Jones, 698 P.2d 240 (Colo. 1985) (failure to include fish culture in application for well permit)   Text


CONNECTICUT

Mariculture Prods., Ltd. v. Those Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s of London Individually Subscribing to Cert. No. 1391/911, No. CV 980163762S, 2011 WL 925439 (Conn. Super. Ct. Feb 14, 2011) (denial of insurance claim for loss of escaped salmon after hurricane damage to fishery)  Text

Frillici v. Town of Westport, 264 Conn. 266 (2003) (action to enjoin town and town shellfish commission from asserting jurisdiction over certain shellfish beds located in navigable waters off shore of town)  Text

Frillici v. Town of Westport, X05CV000176696S, 2001 WL 1330008 (Conn. Super. Ct. Oct. 12, 2001) aff’d, 264 Conn. 266, 823 A.2d 1172 (Conn. 2003) (dispute over the right to remove marine life from the water)   Text

Dobrovich v. Hamel, 63 F. Supp. 2d 203 (Conn. 1999) (dispute over whether employee knew the ramp leading to the tank was wet and therefore guilty of negligence) Text

Frillici v. Town of Westport, 650 A.2d 557 (Conn. 1994) (dispute over jurisdiction over certain shellfish beds located in navigable waters)   Text

Tallmadge Bros., Inc. v. Iroquois Gas Transmission Sys., CV92 0124088 S, 1993 WL 57597 (Conn. Super. Ct. Feb. 26, 1993) (shellfish beds lessee’ action to recover damages)  Text


DELAWARE

Hagan & Blaisdell v. Delaware Anglers & Gunners Club, CIV. A. 7989, 1992 WL 82369 (Del. Ch. Apr. 22, 1992) (dispute over right to fish in the lake)  Text


FLORIDA

State v. Flowers, 643 So. 2d 644 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1994) cause dismissed, 648 So. 2d 722 (Fla. 1994) (challenging the constitutionality of surcharge on oysters from Apalachicola Bay)  Text

State v. Leavins, 599 So. 2d 1326 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1992) (challenging the constitutionality of statutes restricting oyster harvesting in Apalachicola Bay)   Text


GEORGIA

Cook v. Prehistoric Ponds, Inc., 640 S.E.2d 383 (Ga. Ct. App. 2006) (alligator breeding and slaughter house not considered to be a “farm”)   Text

Gill v. Prehistoric Ponds, Inc., 634 S.E.2d 769 (Ga. Ct. App. 2006) (alligator “farm” not considered to be a “farm” under the statute exempting farm laborers from the Workers’ Compensation Act)   Text

Wright v. Dep’t of Natural Res., 562 S.E.2d 515 (Ga. Ct. App. 2002) (refusal to allow farmer to sell alligators)   Text

Bruce v. Wallis, 556 S.E.2d 124 (Ga. 2001) (fish farmer’s nuisance action against horse breeder)   Text

Columbia County v. Doolittle, 512 S.E.2d 236 (Ga. 1999) (damage to fish caused by surface water run-off)  Text

Blue Ridge Mountain Fisheries, Inc. v. Dep’t of Natural Res., 456 S.E.2d 651 (Ga. Ct. App. 1995) (whether sturgeon can be qualified as “exotic fish” under state law)  Text


HAWAI’I

Ohana Pale Ke Ao v. Bd. of Agric., 188 P.3d 761 (Haw. Ct. App. 2008) (citizen suit by environmental group challenging board of agriculture’s approval of permit to import genetically engineered algae)  Text

Weidenbach v. Koolau Agric. Co, No. 24315, 203 P.3d 674 (Haw. Ct. App. Mar. 3, 2009) (Table) (suit against lessor for failure to support aquaculture operation)   Text


IDAHO

Griffith v. Clear Lakes Trout Co., 152 P.3d 604 (Idaho 2007) (breach of contract against fish hatchery)   Text

Weaver v. Millard, 819 P.2d 110 (Idaho Ct. App. 1991) (action to foreclose lien in connection with construction of fish ponds)   Text

Fish Breeders of Idaho, Inc. v. Rangen, Inc., 700 P.2d 1 (Idaho 1985) (claim against supplier of chemical for treating fish disease)   Text


ILLINOIS

Lyons v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 811 N.E.2d 718 (Ill. App. Ct. 2004) (suit against insurance company that would not defend farmer engaged in a commercial fish operation)  Text

Roketa v. Hoyer, 763 N.E.2d 417 (Ill. App. Ct. 2002) (action by owners of man-made, who were also the operators of a catfish farm, to permanently enjoin lakefront property owner from using lake for recreational purposes)  Text

Tyrrell Gravel Co. v. Carradus, 619 N.E.2d 1367 (Ill. App. Ct. 1993) (dispute over property interest in fish)   Text


IOWA

Kloubec v. Drahos, No. 04-0272, 699 N.W.2d 685 (Table) (Iowa Ct. App. May 25, 2005) (breach of fiduciary relationship in constructing a fish farm)   Text


LOUISIANA

Phillips v. G & H Seed Co., No. 08-924, 2009 WL 50994 (La. Ct. App. Mar. 4, 2009) (class action suit by crawfish farmers against manufacturers of rice seed treatment) Text

La. Alligator Wholesale, Inc., v. Prairie Cajun Seafood Wholesale Distrib., Inc., 981 So.2d 929 (La. Ct. App. 2008) (suit to recoup losses from spoiled alligator meat)   Text

Foster v. U.S. Aviation Underwriters, Inc., 981 So.2d 756 (La. Ct. App. 2008) (action by crawfish farmers against aerial pesticide sprayer and its insurer)  Text

Pelts & Skins, LLC v. La. Dep’t of Wildlife & Fisheries, 938 So.2d 1047 (La. Ct. App. 2006) (constitutional challenge to tag fees on alligator skins)   Text

Greenhead Gun Club, LLC v. City of Shreveport, 914 So.2d 62 (La. Ct. App. 2005) (action against city for damages sustained when city pumped wastewater onto crawfish farm)  Text

Avenal v. Louisiana, 886 So.2d 1085 (La. Ct. App. 2004) (claimed unconstitutional taking of oyster leases as result of coastal restoration project)  Text

LeBlanc v. Hayes, 827 So.2d 611 (La. Ct. App. 2002) (poisoning of crawfish)  Text

West v. G & H Seed Co., 832 So.2d 274 (La. Ct. App. 2002) (action by crawfish farmers against insecticide manufacturer and distributors of rice seed alleging damage to their pond-grown crawfish crops)  Text

Pelts & Skins Exp., Ltd. v. State ex rel. Dep’t. of Wildlife & Fisheries, 735 So. 2d 116 (La. Ct. App. 1999) writ denied, 748 So. 2d 1167 (La. 1999) and writ denied, 748 So. 2d 1168 (La. 1999) (alligator skin dealer’s action to recover damages)   Text

Jurisich v. Jenkins, 722 So. 2d 1008 (La. Ct. App. 1998) writ granted, 739 So. 2d 212 (La. 1999) and rev’d, 749 So. 2d 597 (La. 1999) (oyster lease owners’ action against state wildlife and fisheries authority)   Text

Paciera v. Parish of Jefferson, 685 So. 2d 333 (La. Ct. App. 1996) writ denied sub nom. Paciera v. Parrish of Jefferson, 688 So. 2d 506 (La. 1997) (dispute over permit for installation of a fish pond)  Text

La. Farms v. La. Dep’t. of Wildlife & Fisheries, 685 So. 2d 1086 (La. Ct. App. 1996) (dispute over constructive seizure of alligator/catfish farm)  Text

State v. Piazza, 668 So. 2d 1125 (La. 1996) (conviction of improper sale or purchase of freshwater game fish)   Text

Hebert v. State Dep’t. of Wildlife & Fisheries, 656 So. 2d 23 (La. App. 1 Cir. 1995) (dispute over collection of alligator hatchlings)   Text

State v. Domangue, 649 So. 2d 1034 (La. Ct. App.1994) (conviction of possession of improperly skinned alligator hides)  Text

Consol. Co., Inc. v. Creole Fisheries, 616 So. 2d 268 (La. Ct. App. 1993) (dispute over issuance of writ of sequestration on catfish farm aerators)   Text

Barras v. Hebert, 602 So. 2d 186 (La. Ct. App. 1992) writ denied, 605 So. 2d 1367 (La. 1992) (action against alligator farm operators in nuisance)  Text

State v. Greco, 583 So. 2d 825 (La. 1991) (violation by purchasing fish from a person who did not possess required license)   Text

Zapata Haynie Corp.v. Larpenter, 583 So. 2d 867, (La. Ct. App.1991) (“commercial seafood exemption” case) Text

Ferrington v. Van Sickle, 545 So. 2d 719 (La. Ct. App. 1989) (dispute over fishing permits to engage in propagation and production of carp)   Text

Jurisich v. La. Dep’t. Of Wildlife & Fisheries, Seafood Div., 536 So. 2d 1302 (La. Ct. App. 1988) (action by applicants for oyster leases)  Text


MAINE

Maquoit Bay, LLC v. Dep’t of Marine Res., 2022 WL 964167 (Me. 2022) (decision to grant aquaculture lease complied with requirements) Text

Marical, Inc. v. Cooke Aquaculture, 2017 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 188647 (patents on specialty feed equipment for aquaculture plant) Text

Conservation Law Found., Inc. v. LaPointe, No. Civ.A. AP-2003-21, 2004 WL 1598922 (Me. Super. Ct. June 14, 2004) (challenge to decision to grant aquaculture lease)

Cline v. Maine Coast Nordic, 728 A.2d 686 (Me. 1999) (dispute between weir license holders and holders of aquaculture lease)  Text

Harding v. Comm’r of Marine Res., 510 A.2d 533 (Me. 1986) (dispute over aquaculture leases for the purpose of growing mussels)  Text


MARYLAND

Hayden v. Maryland Dep’t of Natural Res., 242 Md.App.505 (Md. Ct. Spec. App. Sept. 3, 2019) (violation of personal aquaculture lease) Text

Marzullo v. Kahl, 783 A.2d 169 (Md. 2001) (definition of commercial agriculture did not include breeding reptiles)  Text

Diffendal v. Dep’t of Natural Res., 222 Md. App. 387 (April 6 2015) (public trust doctrine imposed additional, extra-statutory restrictions on the grant of an aquaculture lease) Text


MASSACHUSETTS

Perry v. Conservation Comm’n of Barnstable, 844 N.E.2d 720 (Mass. App. Ct. 2006)(dismissal of complaint in case regarding construction of aquaculture business)  Text

Pazolt v. Dir. of Div. of Marine Fisheries, 631 N.E.2d 547 (Mass. 1994) (action to prevent growing of shellfish on tidal lands)   Text

Town of Wellfleet v. Glaze, 525 N.E.2d 1298 (Mass. 1988) (action to prevent property owner from mooring boats on “shellfish grant” area)  Text


MICHIGAN

Bay Port Aquaculture Sys., Inc. v. Consumers Energy Co., No. 239262, 2003 WL 22026051 (Mich. Ct. App. Aug. 28, 2003) (action to determine whether lease term restricting flow of chemicals from power plant was effective)

Cipri v. Bellingham Frozen Foods, Inc., 596 N.W.2d 620 (Mich. Ct. App. 1999) (environmental action to recover damages to the lake aquatic life)  Text


MINNESOTA

Mertins v. Comm’r of Natural Res., 755 N.W.2d 329 (Minn. Ct. App. 2008) (loss of license caused by loss of fish in a holding pond)   Text

Minnesota v. Kolla, 672 N.W.2d 1 (Minn. Ct. App. 2003) (definition of statute regulating transportation of minnows)   Text

Trout Unlimited, Inc. v. Minn. Dep’t. of Agric., 528 N.W.2d 903 (Minn. Ct. App. 1995) (dispute over environmental impact statement required for irrigation project bordering trout stream)  Text


MONTANA

Ducham v. Tuma, 877 P.2d 1002 (Mont. 1994) overruled by Shammel v. Canyon Res. Corp., 82 P.3d 912 (Mont. 1994) (dispute over discharging of water diverted to supply trout pond)   Text

Hagen v. Dow Chem. Co., 863 P.2d 413 (Mont. 1993) (fish farmers’ action against weed control district and herbicide manufacturer)   Text


NEW YORK

Fingerlakes Aquaculture, LLC v. Progas Welding Supply, Inc., 825 N.Y.S.2d 559 (N.Y App. Div. 2006) (contract action for liquidated damages due to failure to supply proper oxygen storage tank)  Text

United States v. Gehl, 852 F. Supp. 1150, (N.Y. Dist. Ct. 1994) (defendants distribute fish eggs across state lines, courts elevate the commerce clause in regards to natural resources.) Text


OKLAHOMA

Dunn v. State ex rel. Okla. Tax Comm’n, 862 P.2d 1285 (Okla. Civ. App. 1993) (whether sales of fish fingerlings were subject to sales tax)  Text

Cook v. Okla. Bd. of Pub. Affairs, 736 P.2d 140 (alleged breach of contract to renovate a fish hatchery)  Text


OREGON

Anadromous, Inc. v. Dep’t of Revenue, 11 Or. Tax 272 (Or. T.C. 1989) (property used in fish farming operations qualifies for exemption as “farm machinery and equipment”)


PENNSYLVANIA

Ely v. Susquehanna Aquacultures, Inc., 2015 PA Super 247 (2015).(Breach of contract between aquaculture operations and processor) Text


SOUTH CAROLINA

Converse Power Corp. v. S.C. Dep’t of Health & Env’t Control, 350 S.C. 39 (App. 2002) (Appeal of Board of Health and Environmental Control’s decision to deny aquaculture permit for proposed shellfish farm)  Text

Edisto Aquaculture Corp. v. S. Carolina Wildlife & Marine Res. Dep’t., 426 S.E.2d 753 (S.C. 1993) (challenging shrimp import permit requirements)   Text


TENNESSEE

Bean v. McWherter, 24 S.W.3d 325 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1999) (challenging constitutionality of statute regulating possession and sale of wildlife)  Text

Williams v. Whitehead, 854 S.W.2d 895 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1993) (action to recover fish farm rent)   Text


WASHINGTON

Wild Fish Conservancy v. Washington Dep’t of Fish and Wildlife, 198 Wash.2d 846, 502 P.3d 359 (Wash. 2022) (defendant did not need to consider alternatives to proposal before approving commercial fish farming permit) Text

Protect Zangle Cove v. Washington Dep’t of Fish and Wildlife, 17 Wash.App.2d 856 (Wash. Ct. App. June 8, 2021) (statute regulating equipment applied to shellfish farm) Text

State v. Martinez-Casillas, 2015 Wash. App. LEXIS 18 (illegal entry of an aquaculture structure without a permit) Text

Echo Bay Cmty. Ass’n v. Dep’t of Natural Res., 160 P.3d 1083 (Wash. Ct. App. 2007)(challenge to DNR authority to lease badlands only to adjacent shoreland and tideland owners)  Text

Wash. Shell Fish, Inc. v. Pierce County, 131 P.3d 326 (Wash. Ct. App. 2006) (action by shellfish company planting and harvesting geoducks without shoreline permits and working in eelgrass beds without authorization)  Text

Siedler v. Hayes, 131 Wash. App. 1007 (Wash. Ct. App. 2006) (appeal of decision regarding variances and conditional use permit for oyster processing facility)  Text

Pierce County v. Wash. Shellfish, Inc., 126 Wash. App. 1020 (Wash. Ct. App. 2005) (appeals from a partial judgment in case involving lease agreement of tidelands)  Text

Wash. State Geoduck Harvest Ass’n v. Dep’t of Natural Res., 124 Wash. App. 441 (Wash. Ct. App. 2004) (challenge to statute authorizing Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to regulate commercial geoduck harvesting)  Text

Taylor United, Inc. v. Dep’t of Revenue, 114 Wash. App. 1080 (Wash. Ct. App. 2002) (appeal of excise tax assessment for shellfish producer clams and tanks for raising them)

State v. Mertens, 34 P.3d 1239 (Wash. Ct. App. 2001) rev’d, 64 P.3d 633 (Wash. 2003) (commercial fishing without a license)   Text

Clam Shacks of Am., Inc. v. Skagit County, 725 P.2d 459 (Wash. Ct. App. 1986) aff’d, 743 P.2d 265 (Wash. 1987) (whether clam harvesting activity is subject to provisions of Shoreline Management Act and Shoreline Master Program)   Text


WISCONSIN

County of Adams v. Romeo, 510 N.W.2d 693 (Wis. Ct. App. 1993) aff’d in part, rev’d in part, 528 N.W.2d 418 (Wis. 1995) (“fish-for-a-fee” business is not “agricultural” use of property)  Text