Law No. 4282 on Aquaculture development.

This Law, consisting of four Chapters divided into 35 articles, establishes the Basic Law on Aquaculture development. It defines the institutional framework for the development of the aquaculture sector in the context of its sustainable operation as regards the use of marine and inland waters for the installation of an intensive or semi-intensive aquaculture activity and the authorization procedure for the establishment and operation of aquaculture units, which can be installed on water or on land. In addition, to the definitions in Articles 3 and 4 of the Decision No. 31722 of 4 November 2011 in the field of Land Use Planning and Sustainable Development the Law defines specific aspects related to aquaculture and veterinary licensing (including floating cages).
A national development plan, called National Aquaculture Development Programme (EPAI) shall apply. The EPAI, within the framework of the European Union's Common Fisheries Policy, includes national development objectives, according to the guidelines for national land use planning. The EPAI is approved by decision of the Minister of Rural Development and Food, following the opinion of the National Aquaculture Council (ESYD) (article 3). The priorities of the EPAI are: a) Sustainable development of aquaculture in order to be a key driver for the development of the primary sector and the Greek economy by improving the productivity of existing aquaculture units, expanding their activities and promoting innovation; b) Promoting social equality and cohesion through encouraging the involvement of all actors involved (administrations, aquaculture, wholesalers and retailers and consumer associations) in the decision-making process concerning the sector's development policy; c) produce high standard and nutritional value, covering the modern nutritional needs of consumers; d) increase scientific and workforce employment, particularly in border regions and remote islands; e) settlement of relations with other users, especially the coastal zone, in order to eliminate the phenomenon of conflict of interest and to make efficient the land use; f) Simplifying and modernizing the institutional framework for licensing, activity control and relations between administrations and industry, to enhance efficiency and create a friendly environment to attract new private investment; g) Encouraging research and innovation.