The co-ordinated local aquaculture management systems, CLAMS, process involves the drawing up on an open and consultative basis of management plans for aquaculture in particular bays or regions. CLAMS groups are in operation in 15 areas and nine plans have been published to date. More recently, an environmental code of practice, ECOPACT, has been developed specifically to assist the industry to conduct its operations in accordance with best environmental practice. The code of practice will be implemented through CLAMS groups in the first instance and will be extended from there to the industry generally.