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

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The legal framework for aquaculture should establish the basic programmes and conditions
necessary for the selection of suitable areas for aquaculture. The designation of appropriate
areas for aquaculture in both maritime and coastal areas should be reflected in regulations. This
will ensure the legal security of aquaculture activities, their future stability and their success and
competitiveness.
Aquaculture legislation should be integrated with all forms of jurisdiction over the coastal
zone. Regulations should be established for the management of coastal areas, covering planning,
conservation conditions, protection of coastal resources, and planning of areas to be used for
marine aquaculture.
The legal system should include requirements that ensure compatibility with other uses. To
achieve this there must be coordination between the competent administrative authorities and
agencies, the industry and the general public, as well as legislative action.
Aquaculture legislation should address the social and economic aspects of the area in which
aquaculture activities take place. The lack of regulation may cause the rejection of aquaculture
by society or administrative authorities that prioritize other interests.
J. Administrative Procedures
This guide gives an overview of the existing administrative procedures in different countries. The
main problematic topics of bureaucracy, timing, requirements, rights and duties are explained and
possible solutions proposed.
Principle
Adequate administrative procedures should be established in order to facilitate the
appropriate selection and management of sites for aquaculture.
Guidelines
Regulations should be drafted that set out the procedures for granting aquaculture licences.
It is important to have regulations that clearly inform aquaculture operators of the requirements
for obtaining a licence, the timeframe of the application process as well as the rights and
obligations attached to the licence.
Instruments should be prepared to coordinate the administrative authorities and agencies
involved and the procedures for granting the various authorizations. This will ensure the
legal security of both the applicant and the granting authority itself, while also simplifying the
aquaculture licensing process.
Administrative authorities with responsibilities in aquaculture should develop guidelines for
the submission of applications, containing legal and institutional information. These
guidelines would be useful for establishing aquaculture policies, not only for the competent
administrative authorities, but also for aquaculture operators and society in general. A simple
form should be produced, accompanied by a checklist to help the applicant ensure that all
documents are submitted.
The establishment of technical offices that centralize aquaculture procedures in a region or
country is recommended. The creation of one-stop shops should be promoted to centralize
licence-granting procedures, thus reducing procedure timeframes and requirements.
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