Coastal Aquaculture Authority Bill

1. 1. The bill seeks to amend the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act, 2005.
   2. The bill expands the scope of coastal aquaculture by including allied activities also,
      1. Shrimp
      2. Prawn
      3. Fish
      4. Any other Aquatic life in saline or brackish water

      5. Newly included allied activities

         Hatcheries
      6. Nucleus Breeding centres

1. 3. The Act regulates coastal aquaculture farms and allied activities such as nucleus breeding centres and hatcheries.
   4. It prohibits coastal aquaculture in certain areas, such as 200 metres within the High Tide Line and in creeks/backwaters within the CRZ.
      1. Activities like nucleus breeding centres will be permitted to operate in no development zones
      2. Activities like sea weed culture will be permitted in creeks/backwaters within the CRZ.
      3. Nucleus breeding centres are those where fish/shrimp are cultivated at the larvae stage of their life cycle.
   5. Coastal Aquaculture Authority
      1. prohibit the use of certain inputs to prevent harm to the environment
      2. monitor and regulate units, inputs, and emissions from aquaculture units.
   6. The bill decriminalises illegal coastal aquaculture practice with,
      1. The activity may be suspended
      2. Structure may be removed
      3. Crop may be destroyed
      4. The registration may be cancelled
      5. A penalty may be imposed.

Link: Bill to decriminalise offences in coastal aquaculture activities passed in Parliament - The New Indian Express