To know if an aquaculture project can be carried out in an area, a viability study of the area (e.g. availability of quality water, non-interference with other uses, conditions for the establishment of aquaculture sites in the area) and of the possible species to be farmed must be carried out. There are many possible sites for aquaculture (e.g. on land, in coastal waters, offshore, estuarine, in ponds, next to rivers). To get a license, each site has different conditions and the studies to be carried out are different. The competent authorities sometimes identify previously studied areas where aquaculture activity is possible and prioritised, and this makes obtaining permits for a farm in the area quicker.