The Second Amendment to the Aquaculture Regulations (Regulation No. R-75/2020) was officially published in the national Gazette today, introducing several key changes intended to enhance the aquaculture sector’s development.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has stated that the amendment is expected to open up new opportunities for those involved in aquaculture. A total of eight revisions have been made to the existing regulations, including procedural and regulatory updates to improve sector operations.

A major change introduced through the amendment is the addition of Appendix 7 to the regulations. This appendix provides a detailed framework for leasing areas for aquaculture purposes, specifically for lagoons that are not connected to inhabited or uninhabited islands. It outlines the essential components that must be included in a bid or proposal, the formation of a committee to review submissions, and the procedures for evaluating and awarding the lease.

Other revisions include a requirement that leasing of aquaculture areas can only proceed once a formal agreement is signed between the Ministry and the tenant. The amendment also sets out the fee structure for leases involving multiple parties and outlines provisions for extending both the lease site and the lease area.