Also, the regulation for importing aquatic pets has been updated. Doesn't really affect reef keepers. You are supposed to declare that you are bringing in aquatic pets. So far, I've just declared it verbally without needing to fill out any forms. Of course, they could ask for receipts, and species name, and proof if they wanted to, so always have them ready.

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/.../1331908089467

I would say yes it is fine. But with anything related to the law, always confirm with the authorities. :) I won't be held responsible for misleading anyone. :) Kind of the reason I've kept out of these discussions in the past. :)

Thank you for the help, Samw!

You have a CITES eh? Is it worth the trouble to apply for one for us average reefers?

A permit? No, I bring stuff over the border very rarely only when there's something that I really want but can't find them locally and never stuff that's on CITES. I've brought back ORA Red Sea Xenia a few years ago from Barrier when no one locally on Canreef had them for sale after many years of looking. Also, 13 years ago, I had someone from Canreef (Ryland) help bring me back a Rose bubble tip anemone from Oregon (the first known Rose anemone locally on Canreef at the time). I've mail ordered a few more things to Pt Roberts in between (zoas, ricordeas, and inverts).

Checked out Crystal Reef Aquatics today. They have the most beautiful DT I've ever seen (375g) with a great mix of corals and fish, and the biggest clam ever (must have been 1.5'). Livestock choices for sale were pretty expensive (a yellow tang for example was $45 and a cleaner shrimp $25) but they look very healthy. Nothing too rare. Coral choices decent, but didn't ask prices. The owner is very friendly and helpful.

Worth a side trip just to see the DT if you head down Bellingham.

And I got gas, $2.09/g lol :lol:

I called the canada agricultural food inspection agency who are in charge of regulating pet imports and the worman I spoke to said there is no issue at all for bringing in hobiest coral. I was quite surprised and asked if there were any restrictions and she said no. Litterally told me no issues at all with coral.

did you ask about clams?

Unless laws have changed very recently I find that really hard to believe.

I'd do a bit more research than 1 phone call (to CFIA) before telling people its OK to do something highly illegal. That lady passed on misinformation to you. I have 45 minutes of recorded live phone calls between myself and different levels of government about this.
There are sevearl things including fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates. But you must do your research for each specimen.

it would probably be a big help to post those recorded phone calls...