8 locations have been allocated for setting up marine aquaculture farms in the coastline of Adjara, Samegrelo, and Guria regions.

8 locations have been allocated for setting up marine aquaculture farms in the coastline of Adjara, Samegrelo, and Guria regions.

The Government of Georgia has approved the draft resolution "On the approval of aquaculture zones in marine waters of Georgia".

The respective draft law was developed in line with international practices with active involvement from FAO experts. It aims to promote and regulate the aquaculture sector in Georgia, as well as to help attract investments into this sector. The draft law defines critical steps for the authorization of aquaculture activities allocated in the inland and marine waters, such as the definition of aquaculture zones, the legal aquaculture permits and licenses needed for this activity, as well as the creation of a scientific advisory committee that will support the implementation of the law.

The project proposed by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture calls for the allocation of eight sites along the coastline of Adjara, Samegrelo, and Guria regions where, according to the recommendations of international experts, aquaculture farms - fish (3 locations) and shellfish (2 locations) - can be established (5 locations).

At the end of the Government session, the Minister noted, that Georgia has great potential for developing the aquaculture sector. Moreover, after the approval of the zone project, it is planned to determine additional permit conditions based on the consideration of zone management plans and investor proposals and to issue aquaculture permits in accordance with the law, which will create an opportunity to attract considerable investments in the aquaculture area, which means the possibility for producing tens of thousands of tonnes of fish and various types of seafood and, gradually to exploit the export potential of fish products, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars.

"I believe we have the opportunity and should do everything possible to create more products, first and foremost to meet the demand in the domestic market, employ more people, and, of course, to significantly increase export opportunities," said the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture.

According to the Law of Georgia "On Aquaculture", implementing aquaculture activities, including the aquaculture production (breeding, rearing, and harvesting of aquatic plants and animals) in marine waters is allowed only in the areas designated for aquaculture, which are approved by the Government of Georgia within the framework of spatial planning of the special economic zone, taking into account scientific, social, economic, environmental and other factors. Aquaculture zones represented by the project do not include protected or prohibited marine areas.

The main recommendations for aquaculture zones were prepared in close cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the European Union, as well as with the participation of international experts and the involvement of stakeholders.

Determining the zones will contribute to the development of the aquaculture industry in Georgia, attracting investments and creating jobs for the local people.

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