The Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act, 2005 (Act No. 24 of 2005).

This Act establishes the Coastal Aquaculture Authority in order to regulate the activities related to coastal aquaculture in India. The Act consists of six chapters: I. Preliminary; II. General Powers of Central Government; III. The Coastal Aquaculture Authority; IV. Powers and Functions of Authority; V. Finance, Accounts and Audit; and VI. Miscellaneous.
Chapter I contains the short title, commencement and definitions. Chapter II gives the power to the central government to take such measures as necessary by prescribing guidelines to ensure that coastal aquaculture does not cause any detriment to the coastal environment and the concept of responsible coastal aquaculture shall be followed. Chapter III establishes the Coastal Aquaculture Authority and deals with the appointment of the Chairperson and members of the Authority and other administrative matters. Chapter IV lays down the functions and powers of the Authority which include regulation of construction and operation of aquaculture farms within coastal areas; inspection of coastal aquaculture farms; registration of coastal aquaculture farms; removal or demolishment of any coastal aquaculture farms that may cause pollution of the waters, etc. It also provides for penalty for carrying on coastal aquaculture in contravention of provisions of the Act and appeals in respect of orders of an adjudicating officer. Chapters V and VI deal with funds of the Authority, accounts and audit and with provisions of miscellaneous nature.