(input from the Directorate: Coastal Pollution Management Status of legislation and policies regulating the development and practice of aquaculture Oceans and Coasts

Background -Aquaculture is practiced in both coastal and inland areas. -There are reportedly over 195 operating marine and freshwater aquaculture farms. -These are mostly small scale farmers producing between 5- 50tons. -The the sector has planned to raise its production level from the current approx tons to tons p.a. -To achieve that, several initiatives were proposed, two of which are aimed at overcoming regulatory & permitting obstacles.

Status of legislation and policies DAFF commissioned a comprehensive review of legislation structures governing aquaculture in RSA. The review covered, among others, legislation pertaining to:  Administration of the Sector  Environmental Impacts and Permitting  Securing Sites and Zoning  Environmental Constraints  Product Safety and Quality  Animal Health and Disease Control  Importation of Inputs  Transformation of the Aquaculture Sector Status of legislation and policies

Applicable DEA (Oceans & Coasts) legislation:  Integrated Coastal Management Act & draft regulations  Sea Shore Act Status of legislation

Status of legislation and policies In terms of Section 69, the discharge of effluent from a land- based source into coastal waters is subject to either:  A General Authorisation  A Coastal Waters Discharge Permit (CWDP) All effluent generators invited to apply for a CWDP. A National Guideline was published to promote a uniform approach to the assessment and management of impacts from effluent disposal (applicable to all sectors). Marine aquaculture sector called for a less stringent approach with sector-specific issues taken into account. Integrated Coastal Management Act

Status of legislation and policies DEA requested to consider authorising disposal via either:  A sector/sub-sector wide General Authorisation coupled with norms and standards;  Individual discharge permits obtainable within a reasonable timeframe, and with reasonable conditions. Currently, draft norms and standards exist only for abalone and trout industries. Applications for individual permits received from 21 operators. Permits to be issued in the interim until norms and standards have been formally established for various species. Integrated Coastal Management Act

Status of legislation and policies Currently sea-ranching activities which take place on the sea- shore are subject to leases in terms of the Sea Shore Act, which are ratified by Parliament Sea Shore Act