The Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill 2023 has been introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Ministry. The bill seeks to amend the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act 2005 in order to promote ease of doing business and to fine-tune the operational procedures of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority.
What is Aquaculture?
Aquaculture is the breeding, raising, and harvesting of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants. It is essentially farming in water. In India, saline water along the coast has been found to be suitable for practicing aquaculture, which primarily produces shrimp. Aquaculture can be practiced on about 12 lakh hectares of land along the coast in India, of which only 14% has been utilized so far.
Aims and Purpose of the Bill
The Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill 2023 aims to promote newer forms of environment-friendly coastal aquaculture, such as cage culture, seaweed culture, marine ornamental fish culture, and pearl oyster culture, which have the potential to create additional employment opportunities. The bill also has a provision to prevent the use of antibiotics and pharmacologically active substances that are harmful to human health in coastal aquaculture.
Amendments Proposed in the Bill
The bill proposes several amendments to the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act 2005.
Firstly, to expand the scope of the act, the term “farm or farms” is substituted with “activity or activities”.
Secondly, the act proposes to set up new subordinate offices in the Coastal Aquaculture Authority to look after stringent regulation.
Thirdly, an amendment has been proposed to delegate the authority to fix the tenure in harmony with the tenure of allotment of land by the government.
Fourthly, coastal aquaculture hatchery activity, seaweed culture, and cage culture are allowed in the “No Development Zone” (200m from the High Tide Line towards the coast).
Lastly, the bill seeks to decriminalize the act by removing the punishment of up to 3 years imprisonment for practicing aquaculture without registration.
Importance of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act 2005
The Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) has been instrumental in ensuring the regulation and registration of coastal aquaculture farms in India. The act mandates the central government to ensure that these farms do not cause any ill impacts on the coastal environment. Ever since its enactment, the act has been helpful in fostering the growth and development of the sector, leading to a whopping $8 billion worth of seafood exports in the last financial year.
Why In News
Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill 2023 Introduced in Lok Sabha: Aims to Decriminalize Offences and Promote Environmentally Sustainable Aquaculture in India. The proposed amendments include provisions to prevent the use of harmful antibiotics and pharmacologically active substances in coastal aquaculture, and to promote newer forms of aquaculture that have the potential to create additional employment opportunities.
MCQs about Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill 2023
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What is the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill 2023?
A. An amendment to the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act 2005
B. An amendment to the Marine Life Protection Act
C. An amendment to the Fisheries Act
D. An amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act
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What is aquaculture?
A. Breeding, raising, and harvesting fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants
B. Breeding, raising, and harvesting cattle
C. Breeding, raising, and harvesting poultry
D. Breeding, raising, and harvesting grains
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What is the potential for aquaculture in India?
A. 12 lakh hectares
B. 24 lakh hectares
C. 36 lakh hectares
D. 48 lakh hectares
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