Express News Service CHENNAI: The Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) has allowed establishment of aquaculture hatcheries within 200m from the High Tide Line (HTL), despite reports of coastal pollution and objections by the fishermen. The decision was taken at CAA’s 65th meeting held last month and an official order was issued recently. “CAA has resolved to permanently exempt establishment of coastal aquaculture hatcheries within 200m from the HTL from the provision of subsection 8(a) of Section 13 of CAA Act 2005, to facilitate the operation of coastal aquaculture hatcheries,” the order, accessed by Express, reads. V Kripa, Member Secretary of CAA, said “Considering the need for seawater access for operation of coastal aquaculture hatcheries, the CAA has permitted establishment of coastal aquaculture hatcheries along the coast of India by according exemption. Now, to redress the apprehensions, the CAA in its 65th meeting in exercise of the powers conferred on this Authority resolved to permanently exempt the establishment of coastal aquaculture hatcheries within 200m from the HTL.”