Brussels, 07/04/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 6 April, the European Commission presented a proposal to protect EU eco-systems from the possible negative impact of the introduction of non-native species in aquaculture. It provides for a system of permits, managed by Member States, for all new species which are introduced from other continents. The Commission said that non-native species, such as rainbow trout from America or Pacific oyster from Japan, had played a crucial role in the rapid growth of the European aquaculture industry. However, in some cases, the introduction of non-native species could have an adverse effect on ecosystems and cause significant loss of biodiversity (through predation, competition or genetic contamination between species). “Aquaculture plays an increasing role in our fisheries sector. Diversification is essential to its continued development, as is the need for a balanced and healthy environment. These measures will help ensure that the two are more compatible,” said Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg.
The proposed regulation provides for the establishment at national level of a system of permits for all new species introduced for aquaculture. All projects to introduce non-native species would have to be submitted for approval to a national advisory committee. In the event of any doubts about the effect of the introduction to Europe of a species from elsewhere, an environmental risk assessment would have to be carried out. The granting of a permit could be accompanied by health measures, such as quarantine procedures for breeding stock. In some cases, national authorities may also require a pilot release to be implemented prior to full-scale commercial introduction. The proposed regulation also sets out a number of requirements concerning contingency plans, monitoring procedures and the keeping of national registers. The scope of the proposal is limited to movements of fish stocks which fall under the Common Fisheries Policy. Ornamental fish are therefore not concerned by these measures. The spreading of parasites and pathogens is already covered by Community legislation on animal health, so neither is this issue covered by the proposals. The Commission is aware of the problems potentially posed by genetically modified organisms, but believes that these are best addressed by the substantial and evolving Community legislation specific to this field.
The Commission's proposal builds on the voluntary codes of practice formulated by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and the European Inland Fisheries Advisory Commission (EIFAC), as well as on existing Community instruments for biodiversity protection. In its 2001 biodiversity action plan for fisheries, the Commission undertook to examine the impact of the introduction of non-indigenous species on the wider environment.