Both houses of the Indian Parliament have passed the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023. This pivotal amendment aims to bolster the coastal aquaculture sector, ensuring its sustainable growth and environmental compliance while simplifying administrative procedures.
One of the key provisions of the Amendment Bill is the clarification that coastal aquaculture activities, and all connected aspects, are permitted within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) under the CRZ notifications. This will alleviate the need for small marginal aquaculture farmers to seek multiple clearances from various agencies, as registration under the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act will be recognized as valid permission under CRZ regulations.
Moreover, the Amendment Bill introduces specific exemptions for the establishment of aquaculture units such as hatcheries, Brood Stock Multiplication Centres (BMC), and Nucleus Breeding Centres (NBC) within the No Development Zone (NDZ) of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), which extends 200 meters from the High Tide Line (HTL).
To address concerns about overly punitive measures, the Amendment Bill replaces the provision of imprisonment for up to three years for carrying out coastal aquaculture without registration with civil instruments, such as fines. This shift aligns with the principle of decriminalizing civil transgressions.
Furthermore, the Amendment Bill broadens the definition of “coastal aquaculture” to encompass all related activities comprehensively, removing any ambiguities present in the Principal Act. This ensures that no coastal aquaculture activity operates in an environmentally hazardous manner and falls outside the regulatory framework.
Recognizing the evolving landscape of coastal aquaculture, which now includes environmentally friendly practices such as cage culture, seaweed culture, marine ornamental fish culture, and more, the government seeks to promote these activities, creating opportunities for substantial revenue generation and employment, especially among coastal fisher communities.
Efforts to streamline operational procedures within the Coastal Aquaculture Authority are also outlined in the Amendment Bill. These include provisions for changing ownership or activity size on registration certificates, addressing certificate mutilation, damage, or loss, and allowing for delayed renewal of registration with compounded fees.
Administrative matters, including the powers of the Member Secretary of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority and procedures for the Authority’s functioning in the absence of a Chairperson, have been resolved for greater administrative efficiency and accountability.
The Amendments empower the Authority to appoint committees with experts, stakeholders, and public representatives to enhance its performance and duties under the Act.
Furthermore, disease prevention is deemed crucial to the success of coastal aquaculture. The government intends to establish facilities that produce genetically improved and disease-free stocks for coastal aquaculture. Simultaneously, the use of antibiotics and pharmacologically active substances in coastal aquaculture will be curtailed through express provisions in the Act.
To promote global best practices, the Amendment Bill includes provisions for mapping and zoning of aquaculture areas, promoting Good Aquaculture Practices, ensuring quality assurance and safe aquaculture products, and facilitating ease of doing business while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental protection.
This legislative stride is poised to drive production, productivity, traceability, competitiveness, and entrepreneurship within the coastal aquaculture sector sustainably, leading to increased incomes and employment opportunities in rural coastal areas.
With advancements in technology and evolving culture practices, the coastal aquaculture sector is well-positioned to diversify its species and expand its reach, thanks to the policy space provided by these amendments in the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act of 2005.