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

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Figure 4 – Map showing countries that contributed to the SHoCMed questionnaire surveys
Source: own elaboration.
Legend: Countries that responded to the SHoCMed questionnaire.
Countries that did not respond to the SHoCMed questionnaire.
8.2 Aquaculture quaculture policies and legal frameworks in the mediterranean
GFCM:XXXV XXXV/2011/Dma.9
Once good progress has been achieved in tackling issues concerning biological and disease aspects of
culture of aquatic animals, the next challenge for aquaculture is to set up a suitable legal framework to
promote and support the activity.
A regional successful position in aquaculture requires that both private sector and public
administration face face a a significant significant challenge: challenge: to develop a policy and and legal framework framework for for aquaculture.
aquaculture.
In order to succeed, the responsible authorities author in areas of fisheries and aquaculture must set up an
appropriate framework with regulations for licensing, planning, access to land and water,
environmental impact impact assessment, assessment, administrative organization organization and coordination. A general guideline
for planning and site selection for use by aquaculture promoters is required. . Policy makers and legal
institutions should bear bear in in mind mind the importance of good and clear regulation with with common common standards
and criteria for site selection, in order to increase the legal security of aquaculture promoters and the
equally access conditions to aquaculture markets in Europe.
Since investment in aquaculture can be risky, aquaculture promoters need information on regulatory
requirements, associated costs and information on available sites for the facilities. Before accepting a
concession or authorisation that would permit the allocation of rights to exclusive use of land, coast or
sea space, the aquaculture promoter promoter will need need to be assured that his/her rights are adequately
adequately
protected. tected. So, a clear legal framework is crucial in order to guarantee the investor’s legal security in
being involved in a frequently unfamiliar activity.