Decision

At this stage, a decision is made on whether a licence is approved or not. This is primarily the responsibility of statutory decision makers, usually the regulatory authority, as they must evaluate the application and determine if it fulfills the required criteria and addresses any potential concerns. Producers are unlikely to have major involvement in this stage, unless the decision makers request extra information. Decision makers will also consider responses from the public consultation as part of the process.

The Regulator is the primary arbitrator when it comes to licensing aquaculture facilities. The Regulator must balance the benefits of the operation (food production, economic benefits, social service provision, ecosystem services, etc.) with the cost (environmental impacts, resource use, spatial restriction, visual impact, etc.) and reach a decision which optimises the resource usage and production opportunity while considering the cost and risk.

Ensuring environmental protection and sustainable development are key internationally recognised goals.

Upon the decision by the department, a successful producer is now fully licenced to establish a production site and begin production within the defined parameters of the licence. Unsuccessful candidates may have the option to appeal the decision.

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Decision

Recommendations for decision making authorities

Recommendations for applicants (aquaculture producers)

Relevant guidance documents