The project presented by the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia envisages the allocation of 8 locations in the coastline of Adjara, Samegrelo and Guria, where, according to the recommendation of international experts, it is possible to arrange aquaculture farms for fish (3 locations) and shellfish (5 locations).
As the Minister noted after the end of the government session, the development of the aquaculture sector had great potential. 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 issue aquaculture permits in accordance with the law, which will create an opportunity to attract large investments in the direction of aquaculture and which means the possibility of producing tens of thousands of tons of fish and various types of seafood and, step by step, exploiting the export potential of hundreds of millions of dollars.
According to the Law of Georgia On Aquaculture, the production of aquaculture 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 scientific, social, economic, environmental and other factors into account. Aquaculture zones represented by the project do not include protected or prohibited marine areas.
It should be noted that 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.
Determination of the zones will contribute to the development of the aquaculture industry in Georgia, attracting investments and employment of the local population.