Law No. 25.999 establishing the State Aquaculture Policy.

This Law establishes the Aquaculture Policy in the State of Minas Gerais, with the primary objective of promoting the sustainable development of aquaculture as a source of employment, income, food production, and leisure while ensuring the rational use of natural resources and the conservation of aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. The law provides a comprehensive legal framework for aquaculture activities, defining different forms and modalities of aquaculture, including fish farming, shrimp farming, frog farming, mollusc culture, algae cultivation, turtle farming, and other aquatic organism production systems. It aims to strengthen the aquaculture value chain, promote productive inclusion of aquaculture producers, enhance food security, support scientific research and technological innovation, and reduce pressure on wild fish stocks through increased aquaculture production. To achieve these objectives, the law establishes measures to support professional training, technical assistance, rural extension services, sustainable production practices, commercialization of aquaculture products, and integration of products into institutional procurement and family farming programmes. It regulates the use of native and non-native aquatic species, sets environmental and sanitary requirements for aquaculture enterprises, allows the concession of public waters and lands for aquaculture activities, and establishes rules for animal health, transport, environmental protection, water quality management, and inspection. Particular attention is given to promoting family aquaculture, encouraging consumption of fish products, supporting aquaculture in cage systems, fostering efficient water use, and ensuring that aquaculture development remains environmentally sustainable while contributing to economic growth and food supply.