Brussels, 11/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - EU member states' fisheries ministers are expected to reach agreement at a Council meeting on 23 June 2009 on a conclusions document on the sustainable development of fish farming in the EU. Recent debate at COREPER (the Committee of Member States' Permanent Representatives to the EU) showed that opinion broadly coincided on the draft document but wording still needs to be found that will suit everyone over the need not to spend more on fish farming than already planned under the European Fisheries Funds for 2007-2013.
EU fisheries ministers are expected to note the importance of encouraging the fish farming industry through all existing mechanisms (innovation, aid for new companies, promoting non-concentrated fish farming, etc) while avoiding a damaging impact on the environment and ensuring good health and well-being of fish and shellfish. The conclusions document is expected to demand healthy, good quality products that meet consumer expectations, a simplification of rules and tight control of imports. Public information campaigns will be needed to improve the industry's image. Fish farms can suffer from loss of stock of wild birds and the Council is expected to urge the European Commission to consider introducing a cormorant management plan to prevent cormorant numbers from increasing. (L.C./transl.fl)