A Synopsis of the National Triploid Grass Carp Inspection and Certification Program

The National Triploid Grass Carp Inspection and Certification Program (NTGCICP) is a quality assurance program that helps state resource agencies ensure effective aquatic resource management, where states may wish to regulate triploid grass carp (TGC) for the control of aquatic nuisance vegetation.  This quality assurance is based on a working partnership between the USFWS and triploid grass carp producers (TGCP) who agree to participate in the NTGCICP.   The NTGCICP is available to aquaculture facilities in any state that allows production of TGC.  The current NTGCICP standards reflect input from private grass carp producers and state resource agencies working though a collaborative and inclusive process.   The critical elements of the NTGCICP are described in five categories: (1) Standards for USFWS Inspectors; (2) Standards for Grass Carp Producers; (3) Checklist for Inspectors and Producers; (4) Standards for Collection and Fees, and (5) Standard Penalties and Fees for Program Non-Conformance.  The NTGCICP provides assurance to conservation agencies, that  USFWS Certified “lots” of TGC to be shipped from cooperating private TGCP, do not, within the confidence limits of the inspection program, contain diploids.