The development and management of aquaculture relies on a very complex legal framework, which is not solely provided in fisheries and aquaculture specific legislation. While certain countries have dedicated law on aquaculture (e.g. Croatia, Guinea, Namibia, Norway, Peru, Sri Lanka, Tonga, and United States of America), this does not mean that all issues relevant to aquaculture are necessarily addressed in such laws. There are various matters which are relevant to aquaculture and may be addressed in other legislation relating to, inter alia, land and water tenure, spatial planning, environment, biosecurity, animal and plant health and production, food safety and quality and biosafety. Consequently, ensuring the adequate legal framework for sustainable aquaculture requires the understanding of multiple legislation, the necessary coherent implementation by different national authorities, and inter-agency coordination.

Translating the Guidelines into action across diverse regional and national contexts remains a significant challenge. Fortunately, in respect to legal and regulatory frameworks, certain member States of FAO have partnered with FAO, in particular the Development Law Services of the Legal Office to compile a Study and a Legislative Assessment Tool to help countries in reviewing, revising and strengthening existing legal frameworks or developing new legislation for sustainable aquaculture.