On Monday 17 May, the European Commission highlighted ways of making the aquaculture sector “resilient and competitive”, so that it could become “a global reference for sustainability and quality”.
The aim is to take account of the European Green Deal in the development of this sector.
The proposals appear in a communication (dated 12 May) on ‘Strategic guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture for the period 2021 to 2030’.
Resilience. In particular, the Commission undertakes to produce a more detailed guidance document on spatial planning and access to water for marine, freshwater and land-based aquaculture. EU Member States are invited to designate areas suitable for aquaculture.
On the subject of health, the Commission intends to identify good husbandry practices (environmental enrichment, use of functional nutrition, or even selective breeding). It also suggests organising workshops bringing together all European stakeholders involved in the issue of norovirus in shellfish, to discuss possible solutions. Emphasis is also placed on the production of a guidance document on sectoral climate change adaptation plans and strategies.
The Commission will encourage the use of digital tools and artificial intelligence to improve the traceability and transparency of aquaculture products.
Green transition. The Commission undertakes to develop a guidance document on environmental performance in the aquaculture sector and to “work towards limiting the amount of marine litter produced by aquaculture” (see the requirements of the Directive on single-use plastics). Another idea is to establish a code of good practice concerning fish welfare, based on scientific research and evidence.
To view the communication and the annex: https://bit.ly/3hypdRA (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)