Parliament Passes Coastal Aquaculture Authority Amendment Bill, 2023

Recently, the Parliament has passed the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The amendments are targeted at addressing any ambiguities, streamlining administrative processes, and integrating emerging aquaculture practices.

Coastal aquaculture is the process of cultivating and rearing aquatic organisms like fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants, in marine or brackish water environments along coastlines or in estuaries. The Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act, 2005 governs this practice by establishing an organization called the Coastal Aquaculture Authority to manage activities related to seafood cultivation in coastal areas.

Major Provisions of the Amendment Bill

The new bill comes with several significant changes aimed at expanding the scope of coastal aquaculture activities, simplifying regulatory procedures and encouraging business, protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices.

Expansion of Coastal Aquaculture Activities

This amendment broadens the definition of coastal aquaculture by bringing all associated activities under the purview of the Act. This effectively eliminates any ambiguities between different aspects of coastal aquaculture.

Moreover, the amendment acknowledges the evolution of eco-friendly aquaculture practices beyond just shrimp farming, including methods like cage culture, seaweed culture, and marine ornamental fish culture which offer substantial revenue and employment opportunities for coastal communities.

Facilitating Aquaculture Units within No Development Zone (NDZ)

According to the amendment, facilities such as hatcheries and breeding centres are now allowed to operate within 200 meters from the High Tide Line (HTL). This aims to clear up the previous uncertainties arising from the interpretation of Section 13(8) of the original CAA Act of 2005, which had excluded coastal aquaculture from CRZ regulations.

Simplified Regulatory Processes and Business Promotion

The amendments replace imprisonments with civil penalties for unregistered coastal aquaculture activities. It also introduces provisions for modifying certificates of registration in case of changes in ownership or activity size. Furthermore, it authorizes the Coastal Aquaculture Authority to condone delays in renewal applications with a compounded fee, which increases administrative flexibility.

Environmental Protection and Compliance

This amendment empowers the Coastal Aquaculture Authority to establish standards for emission or discharge of effluents from aquaculture units. It enforces the ‘Polluter Pays Principle,’ requiring aquaculture unit owners to bear the cost of any environment-related damage or demolition assessed by the Authority. Additionally, the amendments prohibit coastal aquaculture activities in ecologically sensitive areas or places with notable geo-morphological features.

Advancing Disease Prevention and Sustainable Practices

The amendments explicitly prohibit the use of antibiotics and pharmacologically active substances. This regulation prioritizes the health of aquatic ecosystems and promotes environmentally conscious practices.

Current Status of Coastal Aquaculture in India

India has a coastline spanning around 7,517 km, presenting vast potential for coastal aquaculture development. Shrimp, fish, crab, oyster, mussel, seaweed, and pearl are the major coastal aquaculture species in India. In the last nine years, shrimp production in India surged by 267%. This boost essentially doubled the country’s seafood exports from Rs 30,213 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 63,969 crore in 2022-23, with shrimp contributing to the majority portion of these exports. Key coastal states like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu played significant roles in the expansion of coastal aquaculture shrimp production and subsequent exports.

The Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023 unambiguously enhances India’s aquaculture sector by clarifying regulations, promoting sustainable practices and safeguarding the environment. This aligns with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and underscores India’s dedication to responsible economic growth and ecological well-being.