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

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Principle
Good governance practices concerning planning and decision making should be implemented for
aquaculture site selection and site management.
Guidelines
Governance should be flexible, dynamic and adaptive. This ability to react to change and
evolve towards greater effectiveness will give decision makers confidence and support.
Governance should encourage all stakeholders to participate and interact. The inclusion of
all actors and the triggering of linkages within and among them will reinforce governability,
increasing success in a shared environment where site selection has to be made.
Governance should be applied at all levels. Because globalization is becoming a strong driver
of change, new forms of governance should be developed at all scales, from local to global.
Aquaculture planning should be developed under the best applicable governance. As
governance influences the processes of site selection and site management, the rules and their
implementation should underline guidelines of sustainability.
Governance should be considered and implemented on a long-term basis. Unlike fisheries,
where daily decisions may be subject to uncertainties, aquaculture planning has a steadier, more
long-term course that should be taken into account in governance arrangements.
I. The Legal Framework
This guide offers a series of guidelines for the establishment of appropriate legal frameworks for the
practice of aquaculture, particularly with regard to site selection. The aim is to highlight the benefits of
adequate regulations for aquaculture. An overview of the current situation is given for the
Mediterranean.
Principle
An adequate and favourable legal framework should be in place to ensure appropriate site
selection and site management.
Guidelines
A suitable legal framework should be in place, guaranteeing the rights and stating the
obligations of holders of aquaculture licences. That will ensure legal security for both
aquaculture operators and the activity itself.
Coordination and agreements on the legal framework for aquaculture site selection and site
management should be built among the various administrative authorities. A lack of clear,
concise regulations that specify the division of tasks between administrative authorities may
result in the overlap of areas of competence and delays in procedures.
The legal framework should be available and understandable to all stakeholders.
Comprehensive aquaculture legislation will provide guarantees of success, in terms of both
environmental protection and the development of the aquaculture industry. Furthermore, such a
legal framework will be a way of informing society about the aquaculture industry.
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