Virginia Requirements to Raise Tilapia
A permit is required to raise Tilapia in Virginia. You have to fill out 2 forms:
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
Application to Possess, Propagate, Buy and Sell Certain Wildlife in Virginia (Under Authority of § 29.1-412, § 29.1-103, §29.1-417 of the Code of Virginia, 4 VAC 15-20-200)
http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/forms/PERM/PERM-016.pdf
Non-refundable Application Fee: $12.50 Permit Term January 1 through December 31
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
Application Permit to Import Certain Non-Native (Exotic) Wildlife into Virginia (Under Authority of VR 325-01-2, § 29.1-542 of the Code of Virginia)
http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/forms/PERM/PERM-002.pdf
Non-refundable Application Fee: $10.00 Permit Term January 1 through December 31
Mail both forms with a letter stating exactly how you plan to keep the fish and make it clear the fish can’t escape or be picked up and dropped by birds. If your letter is clear on how you plan to keep the fish you will receive your permit without waiting for an inspection. Others have had to have an inspection prior to getting the permit. So take your time and spell out how you plan to keep and secure the tilapia.