The need for an appropriate legal framework to enable the implementation of aquaculture production programmes was recognized even from the early stage of discussions in the Workshop. Many countries have regulations relating to fishing industries, but few of these contain specific provisions concerning aquaculture. No major problems have arisen so far, probably because the industry is still in its early stages and much of the current work is done in the public sector, but when large-scale development is initiated and the private sector becomes increasingly involved the inadequacies of existing legal provisions will become apparent. Many of the fishery laws may be found inapplicable to aquaculture in a court of law and it is therefore necessary to formulate suitable laws to enable smooth and speedy development, particularly with regard to acquisition of sites and protection of aquaculture stocks. The existing regulations regarding the import or transplantation of non-indigenous species may have to be reviewed and suitable regulations introduced to prevent the spread of diseases through introductions or poor management of aquaculture installations.
Among the environmental concerns that the Workshop considered as affecting aquaculture development in the region, emphasis was laid on pesticide pollution. Aerial spraying of agricultural crops in areas adjacent to aquaculture centres is already posing serious problems. Some of the potential sites for aquaculture are being polluted by domestic or industrial wastes. A solution to this has to be sought through integrated planning, reconciling conflicts relating to land and water use, with the close cooperation of other users and the promulgation of appropriate laws based on essential basic studies directed toward controlling environmental degradation and optimum use of land and water resources. The advisability of zoning areas for aquaculture purposes through legislative measures has already been referred to. Such measures would also help in preventing the contamination of aquaculture products. Strict enforcement of quality control becomes specially important when culture is undertaken for export purposes.
