On Monday 29 April, the European Commission announced the publication of two staff working documents designed to help EU Member States promote sustainable growth in aquaculture.
These documents are a response to the demand from aquaculture producers to reduce the administrative burden involved in setting up and operating aquaculture sites in the European Union.
The aim is to unlock the potential of aquaculture in the EU, according to the Commission. Despite all its advantages, aquaculture production in the EU has not progressed at the same rate as in other regions of the world. EU aquaculture production accounts for only 10% of the fish and seafood consumed in the EU and represents less than 2% of world production.
The documents mention two major obstacles to the growth of aquaculture in many EU Member States: - a complex regulatory framework and administrative procedures; - difficulties in accessing the space and water needed to develop marine aquaculture.
Links to documents: https://aeur.eu/f/c0y ; https://aeur.eu/f/c0z (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)