Brussels, 05/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - Doing more to reconcile aquaculture with EU legislation on nature protection is possible, says the European Commission. The guidelines are published on Wednesday 5 December offer the operators concerned guidelines for sustainable aquaculture in the Natura 2000 sites which make up the pan-European network of natural sites protected under the “Habitats” directive. This document, entitled “Guidance on Aquaculture and Natura 2000 - Sustainable aquaculture activities in the context of the Natura 2000 Network”, is a “useful tool to increase understanding between economic operators, public authorities, site managers and nature conservation bodies. It will enable them to design sustainable aquaculture projects that meet their production objectives while respecting the ecological values of the Natura 2000 areas”, states Janez Potoènik, European Environment Commissioner. “As one of the many users of our waters EU aquaculture needs to be developed in an ecologically sustainable way”, added Maria Damanaki, his colleague for Maritime affairs and fisheries.
The guidelines stress the importance of the aquaculture sector in food production and the primary role played by the Natura 2000 network in achieving the EU's policy objectives in terms of biodiversity. They focus mainly on the implementation of the provisions concerning the execution of appropriate assessments under the “Habitats” directive. This orientation document examines the potential impact of the main systems of aquaculture on nature and wildlife, paying particular attention to methods and tools, which are assessed in light of the sites' preservation objectives. It also explains how risks can be measured on a case-by-case basis and how they can be minimised, or completely ruled out.
The guidelines are supported by case studies and examples of best practices illustrating how the sustainable development of aquaculture does not need to contradict nature protection, but can even promote it by providing the appropriate habitats for which many sites have been designated. They lay emphasis on the advantages of strategic planning, which makes it possible to take account, in an integrated way, of the nature preservation requirements and development needs of aquaculture from the start of the planning process. The manual describes, stage by stage, the required assessment procedures and adds to them with relevant examples and practical recommendations.
This is the fifth orientation document on the application of EU legislation on the protection of nature. Guidelines have already been published on wind energy; non-energy mining activities; the development of estuaries and coastal zones; and inland waterway transport. (AN/transl.fl)