Despite drought conditions, aquaculture is a big part of California’s economy—and most modern fish farms rely on certain types of pond liners best suited to California’s climate and regulations. To start, California features regulations that require fish farmers to register certain species of fish, particularly if they are going to be cultivated in facilities where there is a chance that they might be able to escape and invade local waterways. Thus, you’ll always need to check with the California Department of Natural Resources before stocking a new species of fish or shellfish. Some species, like tilapia, are considered highly invasive, which means you can only keep them in highly controlled environments where there is security against losses or escapes. Sealed ponds—those lined with secure liners, with protections in place to prevent movement into local waterways—are less likely to be regulated than ponds where the chance of escape is higher.
Food and Drug Administration requirements also come into play, too. Water contaminants and liner materials must be monitored to prevent leaching of toxic chemicals, which are not only unsafe for fish, but produce fish not fit for human consumption. Thus, you’re best off using one of BTL Liner’s fish-safe geomembranes, which are engineered to create a safe environment for food-grade fish.
