Aquaculture governance and sector development

Aquaculture governance is the set of processes by which a jurisdiction manages its resources with respect to aquaculture, its stakeholders participate in making and implementing decisions affecting the sector, government personnel are accountable to the aquaculture community and other stakeholders, and the respect of the rule of law is applied and enforced. Good governance of aquaculture is a necessary condition for the sector to fully realize its potential for growth. Good governance will also ensure order and sustainability of this growth. The technical guidelines on “aquaculture governance in Africa” have been produced to support the implementation of Article 9 of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries on aquaculture development. These guidelines cover the establishment and implementation of good governance in aquaculture in the African geographical context. In addition to principles of good aquaculture governance (effectiveness and efficiency, equity, accountability and predictability of the law), these technical guidelines include suggestions/recommendations for the aquaculture sector; its administration, its legal and regulatory framework, licence policies and non-state participation in decision making and implementation.