The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has issued a notification amending its prior notification dated the 6th December, 2021. This amendment seeks to bring notable changes to the structure and composition of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority. The present amending notification was issued on 30th October, 2023.
It may be recalled that by virtue of the prior notification dated 6th December, 2021, the Ministry had notified the members to the Coastal Aquaculture Authority. Accordingly, the authority would consist of a chairperson and 10 other members, including a member secretary.
The Coastal Aquaculture Authority plays a crucial role in overseeing and regulating activities related to coastal aquaculture, ensuring sustainable and environmentally responsible practices in this sector. The amendments reflect the government’s commitment to improving the governance of coastal aquaculture and related fisheries activities in the country.
By the present amendment, the Ministry brings about revisions to the composition of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority, particularly in the appointment of key members.
It may be recalled that the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act, 2005 requires that one member of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority should represent the Ministry of Agriculture of the Central Government. The government has now appointed the Joint Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India to satisfy this requirement.
Additionally, the Joint Secretary (Marine Fisheries) of the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India has also been notified as a member of the Authority.
Furthermore, the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act, 2005 also requires that the Authority should have members representing the coastal states on a rotation basis. In fulfillment of this, the Ministry had already notified the Secretary (Fisheries) of the governments of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Kerala and Karnataka. Now, by the present amendment notification, the Ministry has notified the Secretary (Fisheries) of governments of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Daman and Diu, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Island and Lakshadweep Island. All of these Secretary (Fisheries) of the above mentioned governments will be members of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority.
The amendment notification has also removed the office of the member secretary from the constitution of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority
These amendments signify a restructuring of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority and the inclusion of key stakeholders in decision-making processes. The changes aim to enhance the effectiveness of the authority in regulating and managing coastal aquaculture activities in India.
This move is expected to have a positive impact on the aquaculture industry by fostering better coordination and governance, ultimately benefiting coastal communities and the environment.
