Site selection and carrying capacity in Mediterranean ... - FAO Sipam

Assuring
appropriate and
responsible use of
land and water
resources
Institutional capacity
for the support of
aquaculture
129 GFCM:XXXV/2011/Dma.9
129
Description
It should be ensured by aquaculture and planning authorities as well as by aquaculturists and investors that aquaculture activities are sited in
locations which: are suitable for sustainable production and income generation; are economically and socially appropriate; prevent or minimize
conflicts with other users of resources, and do not create undue externalities; respect nature reserves, protected areas, and critical or especially
sensitive habitats.
Government authorities should also ensure that the privileges and needs of the aquaculture sector are recognized and respected by other users of land
and water and, in particular, that aquafarms are not exposed to external environmental threats resulting from activities in other sectors that reduce
quality and quantity of water, nutrient and biological resources required. Where applicable, zoning or site regulations should be specified to conform
to the requirements of plans for regional development, river basin or coastal area management, and their respective authorities.
Primarily for historical reasons, the institutional frameworks used by States to develop and support their aquaculture sectors have usually grown out
of their fishery, forestry or other natural resource institutions and organizations. While States may continue to find such arrangements practical,
especially with respect to biological, marketing, and food quality aspects, they should also consider strengthening linkages with their institutions
concerned with agriculture, rural development, irrigation, engineering and other sectors with which aquaculture activities have much in common. In
particular, collaboration between water development agencies and aquaculture and fishery administrations could be facilitated, which would help to
identify common interests resulting in benefits to both sectors. Aquaculture and fishery experts should be involved in the formulation of economic
and legal instruments relating to water management