Brussels, 23/05/2016 (Agence Europe) - A “high-level event” on developing the aquaculture sector in the EU will take place in Brussels on Tuesday 24 May, to be attended by Fisheries Commissioner Karmenu Vella, Dutch minister Martijn van Dam who chairs the Agriculture and Fisheries Council and MEP Linnéa Engström (Greens/EFA, Sweden), deputy chair of the European Parliament fisheries committee.
A number of representatives of the aquaculture sector will speak at the conference. Commissioner Vella will launch EU Aquaculture online, a one-stop-shop information source for businesses on EU rules and member state's strategic priorities to encourage investment in the sector. The Commission will also adopt guidelines on sustainable aquaculture, compatible with environmental protection under the water framework directive and marine strategy framework directive.
“While the EU only produces 2% of all fish farmed worldwide, when it comes to quality, it is a world leader”, Vella said. He argued that “we need to continue our work to help the European aquaculture sector grow, including through improved business certainty and financial support”. This, he said, will not only create sustainable jobs and growth in Europe, but will also contribute to improved food security for European citizens. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)