Decree No. 99/2021 approving the Regulation on Aquaculture (RAQUA).

This Decree approves the Regulation on Aquaculture (RAQUA). This Regulation, consisting of 54 articles divided into nine Chapters and 15 Annexes, establishes the rules and procedures applicable to national and foreign natural or legal persons aimed to perform aquaculture activity within the national territory, and to aquaculture in general carried out in the national territory, including inland or maritime waters, and whose scope of application extends to handling reproductive activities, aquaculture feeding and seeds production, processing and marketing of aquaculture products, construction of infrastructures and other accessories as well as all supporting services for aquaculture activity. The Regulation does not cover ornamental animals, genetically modified organisms and amphibians, but provides for fees, service and licensing charge and the sanctioning regime.
The following types of operating licenses are created for the exercise of aquaculture activity: a) artisanal aquaculture license; b) semi-industrial aquaculture license; c) industrial aquaculture license; d) experimental aquaculture license; e) research aquaculture license; f) training aquaculture license; g) recreational aquaculture license. The above mentioned licenses are intended for fish seed production, breeding, fattening and maintenance. Research aquaculture licensing must observe the requirements established by the specific legislation regarding the licensing of scientific research institutions.