Bringing fish back to Canada

[limmer]

Someone asked me about bringing fish from the U.S. when I go down to Ohio for a show.

As long as you are not bringing back a lot of fish that it looks like you are selling them as a business.
They have never asked to see any documentation, but I bring it just in case.

This is from a Speaker we had many years ago from the Federal Government.

Go to the AIRS (Automated Import Reference System).
http://airs-sari.inspection.gc.ca/AIRS_External/english/decisions-eng.aspx
In the drop down Menu
    pick '03' then 'Go'.
    pick '01' then 'Go'.
    pick '11' then 'Go'.
Find your Fish Grouping Scientific Name, ie 'Corydoras Hastatus'.
    pick '1847' then 'Go'.
    pick '42-Corydoras Hastatus' then 'Go'.
Since I am getting them at a show in Ohio, U.S..
    pick 'United States' then 'Go'.
    pick 'Ohio' then 'Go'.
It will then give you the Verdict "Approved" or (Not).
I usually print this out and bring it with me.

[Kalinkacat]

I assume then that you do not need these permits in advance since you don't know what you are going to pick up?  Do you do this process from your hotel room after you purchased the fish?

[limmer]

Sometimes at the hotel and sometimes before if I have a wish list.

[Pastis]

I was wondering what do you use to transport the fish ?

[limmer]

I usually bag them and put them in a Styrofoam fish box.
Sometimes you can find someone with oxygen.
You can put additives in the water or I put small cubes of Poly-Filter https://www.bigalspets.com/ca/poly-bio-marine-filter-pad.html?sku=14996.
I know people that don't use anything.
Don't put a lot of fish in one bag.
I have never lost a fish.
9 hour drive at least from Ohio.

[Kalinkacat]

Is that product only for marine fish or can it be used for freshwater fish as well?

[limmer]

I only keep fresh water fish.
You can use it for both though never tried it with Marine.
I cut it into 1" cubes.  It changes color from white as it absorbs stuff.