The Central Government has announced the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Rules, 2024. These rules have replaced the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Rules, 2005. They introduce comprehensive guidelines and procedures for the regulation of coastal aquaculture units and activities. These new rules were notified on January 9, 2024 and have come into force on that same date.
Key Highlights of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Rules, 2024:
1. Guidelines for Sustainable Coastal Aquaculture:
To ensure the environmental sustainability of coastal aquaculture and safeguard the livelihoods of coastal communities, the rules mandate compliance with a set of guidelines. These include regulations for coastal aquaculture, hatcheries, seed production, disease surveillance, aquaculture inputs, establishment of breeding centers, and solid waste management.
2. Registration and Fees:
- Application for registration of coastal aquaculture units or activities can be made through Form-I or Form-II, specific to each category, to the relevant committee or the Coastal Aquaculture Authority.
- Different forms are prescribed based on the nature of the activity, such as sea weed culture, cage culture, nurseries, or hatcheries.
- The Authority may introduce online filing for registration applications in the public interest.
- The registration fees, payable through demand draft or online mode, are specified in Schedule-I.
- Applications are subject to scrutiny, and any defects must be rectified within a specified period otherwise, the application may be deemed rejected.
- The Authority, within sixty days, may grant or refuse registration based on compliance with regulations and guidelines.
3. Renewal of Registration:
- Owners or operators must apply for renewal at least ninety days before the expiry of the existing registration.
- The Authority, upon satisfaction, may renew the registration for a further period of five years.
- In case of delayed renewal applications, additional fees, twice the renewal fee, may be levied.
4. Access to Water Resources:
- Registered coastal aquaculture units have the right to access and draw saline water or seawater from the nearest source.
- Units are permitted to discharge treated effluent through pipelines, ensuring no harm to the coastal environment.
5. Regulation of Aquaculture Inputs:
Aquaculture inputs for coastal aquaculture activities must obtain certification from the Authority, except those explicitly exempted according to the Guidelines for the certificate of compliance for aquaculture inputs.
Applications for the certificate of compliance of an aquaculture input are to be submitted in Form-III, along with specified documents in Schedule-III. A fee of ten thousand rupees per product is required, payable electronically or through a Demand Draft drawn in favor of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority.
If the Authority is satisfied with the compliance of the aquaculture input, certification may be granted through electronic means using Form-VI. Certificates of compliance granted shall remain valid for a duration of five years from the date of issuance.
These rules emphasize the importance of responsible aquaculture practices, balancing economic interests with ecological preservation.
