Due to a need for the authorities to safeguard the needs of the society, i.e. rural area development, environmental integrity and market access issues, a licence is required for the establishment and operation of each aquaculture site. Prior approval of the site environmental and area management issues are therefore of paramount importance. From 1 January 2010, the responsibility for coordinating the review process for such applications was transferred from the Directorate of Fisheries to the County Council authorities. Several other sector authorities are involved in reviewing applications for compliance with the various guidelines and regulations such as pollution, animal health and welfare, harbour and fairways, biodiversity and spatial planning.