Draft Aquaculture Development Bill

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has published the Draft Aquaculture Development Bill, and is asking you to comment.

The Bill seeks to:
• establish an intergovernmental authorisations committee;
• provide for the establishment of a national aquaculture intergovernmental forum;
• provide for the establishment of provincial aquaculture intergovernmental forums;
• provide for the establishment of the national aquaculture sector liaison forum;
• provide for the appointment of aquaculture extension officers;
• provide for the appointment of specialists on contract;
• provide for the recognition of aquaculture sector associations;
• provide for the establishment of a national reference laboratory capacity for aquatic animal diseases;
• provide for a national reference laboratory capacity for aquaculture food safety;
• provide for the adoption and content of national and provincial aquaculture development strategies;
• provide for the establishment of aquaculture development zones;
• provide for the establishment of national and provincial aquaculture information systems;
• provide for the application, transfer, amendment, renewal and cancellation of aquaculture licences and permits;
• provide for a regulatory registration system;
• provide for integrated aquaculture authorisations;
• prohibit the import, export and movement of aquaculture organisms and products without permits;
• provide for the setting of water quality objectives and standards for aquaculture;
• provide for the protection of the aquatic environment;
• provide for the development of a national aquatic animal health and welfare programme;
• provide for the safety and quality of aquatic organisms and products;
• provide for the transformation of the aquaculture sector;
• provide for the designation of aquaculture inspectors;
• provide for the powers and functions of aquaculture inspectors;
• provide for offences and penalties;
• provide for appeals;
• provide for ownership of aquaculture organisms and products;
• provide for delegation;
• provide for the making of regulations;
• provide for savings, repeal and amendment of legislation;
• provide for transitional arrangements; to limit state liability; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

Find here: Media Statement

Comments can be emailed to Mr Tshepo Sebake at [email protected] by no later than Tuesday, 16 January 2024.

Enquiries can be directed to Mr Tshepo Sebake on cell 066 471 1409