The Department of Fisheries of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has issued several guidelines to regulate coastal aquaculture in the country. These guidelines were published on March 16, 2024 and have come into immediate effect.
These guidelines include:
- Guidelines for Regulating Coastal Aquaculture
- Guidelines for establishment and operation of Nucleus Breeding Centre and Broodstock Multiplication Centres in India
- Guidelines for Solid Waste Management in Coastal Aquaculture Units or Activities
Guidelines for Regulating Coastal Aquaculture
In a bid to ensure the orderly and sustainable development of aquaculture along India’s coastlines, the Coastal Aquaculture Authority has introduced comprehensive guidelines. These guidelines aim to promote environmentally responsible and socially acceptable coastal aquaculture practices while enhancing the socio-economic benefits for coastal communities.
The guidelines cover various aspects of farm management and environmental impact mitigation measures related to effluent discharges from coastal aquaculture farms. They also aim to resolve social conflicts that could hinder the sustainable development of coastal aquaculture.
Key highlights of the guidelines include stringent criteria for site selection to ensure the harmonious integration of aquaculture farms into the local environment and social settings. Factors such as soil quality, hydro-meteorological data, and proximity to infrastructure facilities are considered during site selection to minimize environmental impact and maximize economic viability.
Furthermore, the guidelines mandate the preparation of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) reports and Environment Monitoring and Management Plans for coastal aquaculture units above 40 hectares in size. These reports are aimed at assessing potential environmental impacts and outlining mitigation measures to address them.
To ensure compliance with the guidelines, Sub Divisional Level Committees and District Level Committees have been tasked with reviewing EIA reports and recommending applications for registration to the Coastal Aquaculture Authority. Post-project evaluations will also be conducted to compare actual environmental and social impacts with predicted outcomes, providing valuable feedback for future regulatory decisions.
Guidelines for Nucleus Breeding and Broodstock Multiplication Centres in India
The Indian Government has also released guidelines for the establishment and operation of Nucleus Breeding Centres and Broodstock Multiplication Centres aimed at the production of disease-free broodstocks in coastal areas.
These guidelines outline the norms and procedures governing the establishment and operation of such centres, focusing on biosecurity, genetic improvement, and sustainability measures, including environmental safeguards. The centres are intended for candidate species like Litopenaeus vannamei, Paneaus monodon, Paneaus indicus, as well as finfishes such as Sea Bass, Cobia, Pompano, Grouper, and Freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii.
Eligibility criteria state that existing producers of disease-free broodstock or those involved in domestication and breeding programmes of potential candidate species can apply for establishing these centres. Applicants must demonstrate technical capacity and experience, having successfully designed and operated similar centres and breeding programs.
The application process involves obtaining prior permission from the Central Government’s Department of Fisheries, based on recommendations from a Project Screening Committee.
Key requirements include ensuring a 1000-meter radius free from aquaculture activities or any other source of contamination around the selected site. Adequate biosecurity measures, infrastructure, and facilities for disease diagnosis and treatment are mandatory, along with compliance with health monitoring and disease surveillance guidelines.
The centres are also expected to maintain records of performance analysis, supply certified high health or specific pathogen-free broodstock to registered coastal aquaculture units, and pay monitoring fees as prescribed by the Authority.
Non-compliance may lead to suspension or cancellation of registration, with performance bank guarantees invoked in case of violations.
Guidelines on Solid Waste Management in Coastal Aquaculture Units
The guidelines emphasize the importance of reducing waste generation by promoting the selection and use of reusable materials during the production cycle. Additionally, they encourage the minimization of non-recyclable products and the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives that can be easily recycled, reused, or degraded.
One of the key aspects outlined in the guidelines is the evaluation of waste generated by coastal aquaculture units. Units are required to identify the type and quantity of waste generated, allocate areas for storage and treatment, and develop solid waste management plans tailored to their specific facilities.
To ensure effective waste management, coastal aquaculture units are mandated to categorize solid waste into biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and domestic hazardous waste. Proper segregation and collection of waste at the source are emphasized, with designated bins provided for different waste streams.
The guidelines also address the handling of plastic waste, prohibiting the burning of plastics and requiring units to hand over plastic waste to local authorities or appointed agencies for proper disposal.
Furthermore, the guidelines stipulate the maintenance of records for waste generation, collection, and disposal at each coastal aquaculture unit. Regular inspections by the authorities will ensure compliance with these regulations, with measures in place to address any instances of non-compliance.
Conclusion
Overall, these guidelines represent a significant step towards promoting sustainable coastal aquaculture practices in India, balancing economic development with environmental conservation and social welfare. These guidelines will also ensure the production of high-quality disease-resistant broodstocks for the industry’s growth and development.
Moreover, through responsible waste management practices, the units can strive to preserve coastal ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Compliance with these regulations will be crucial in fostering a thriving and resilient coastal aquaculture industry while safeguarding the long-term health of India’s coastal ecosystems.
