Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council - Building a sustainable future for aquaculture - A new impetus for the Strategy for the Sustainable Development of European Aquaculture {SEC(2009) 453} {SEC(2009) 454}
Date: 2009-04-08
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: aquaculture, common fisheries policy, sustainable development

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COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 8.4.2009 
COM(2009) 162 final 

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO  
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL 

Building a sustainable future for aquaculture 

A new impetus for the Strategy for the Sustainable Development of European 
Aquaculture 

{SEC(2009) 453} 
{SEC(2009) 454} 

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COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO  
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL 

Building a sustainable future for aquaculture 

A new impetus for the Strategy for the Sustainable Development of European 
Aquaculture 

1. 

INTRODUCTION 

Modern aquaculture represents a major innovation in the production of fish and aquatic food 
and  has been the fastest growing food production sector  with  an  average  worldwide  growth 
rate  of  6-8%  a  year.  With  a  global  production  of  nearly  52  million  tonnes  in  2006,  world 
aquaculture  has  increased  by  one  third  since  the  beginning  of  the  millennium,  driven  by 
spectacular growths in Asia and South-America. It already provides about half of the world 
fish  supply  for  human  consumption  and  has a significant potential  for further growth1. This 
makes it a key part of the solution to meet future demand for fish. But developing aquaculture 
shall not undermine the necessity to reduce and eventually eliminate the overfishing of wild 
stocks  in  pursuit  of  sustainable  exploitation  of  the  oceans.  Thus  aquaculture  provides  huge 
opportunities  and  raises  considerable  challenges,  particularly  in  relation  to  environmental 
sustainability of production as well as to the quality and safety of the products.Aquaculture is 
an  important  economic  activity  in  certain  coastal  and  continental  areas  of  the  EU.  It  covers 
freshwater  and  marine  finfish  as  well  as  shellfish  bred  in  various  types  of  farming  systems: 
closed  or  open,  extensive  or  intensive,  on  land,  in  lakes,  in  ponds  -  fed  by  rivers  or  even 
groundwater - near the shore or offshore. Several Community policies have an impact on this 
activity, and the structural policy in support of the Common Fisheries Policy has contributed 
significantly  to  the  evolution  of  this  industry  in  Europe.  From  an  artisanal  and  small  scale 
activity,  aquaculture  has  become  a  high-tech  industry  with  fully  integrated  businesses.  The 
EU-27  aquaculture  industry  produced  about  1.3  million  tonnes  of  fish,  shellfish  and 
crustaceans  in  2006,  representing  a  turnover  of  around  3  billion  €  and  generating 
approximately 65,000 jobs. Current EU consumption demand accounts for about 12 millions 
tonnes. 

The EU strategy for sustainable aquaculture2 adopted in 2002 has set out policy directions to 
promote  the  growth  of  aquaculture.  Seven  years  on,  significant  progress  has  been  made  in 
ensuring the environmental sustainability, safety and quality of EU aquaculture production3. 
Yet over the same period overall EU aquaculture production has stagnated, in stark contrast 
with the high growth rate in the rest of the world.  

1 
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FAO: The state of world aquaculture 2008 (data excluding aquatic plants). 
Communication  from  the  Commission  on  a  Strategy  for  the  Sustainable  Development  of  European 
Aquaculture - COM(2002) 511. 
In 2007, the Commission took stock of the progress made and launched wide public consultation and 
in  Europe: 
debates  with 
 See 
and 
http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/governance/consultations/consultation_100507_en.htm 
http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/meetings_events/events/archives/events_2007/conference_151107_en.htm  

stakeholders  on 

the  aquaculture 

the  prospects 

industry 

for 

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Against  the  background  of  fast-changing  technologies  and  persisting  economic  and 
environmental challenges it is timely to take stock of the strength and weaknesses of the EU 
aquaculture  sector.  This  Communication  aims  to  identify  and  address  the  causes  of  this 
stagnation, with a view to ensuring that the EU remains a key player in this strategic sector. It 
will build on the achievements of the 2002 aquaculture strategy and on the new impetus for 
marine activities provided by the EU Integrated Maritime Policy. 

2. 

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF EU AQUACULTURE 

2.1. 

Current challenges and outlook 

The EU represents one of the largest aquatic-food markets in the world, increasingly relying 
on imports to cover a growing demand. It benefits from a dynamic and cutting-edge research 
and technology sector, advanced equipment and fish feed, qualified and trained entrepreneurs 
and  innovative  enterprises,  as  well  as  from  a  solid  environment  and  health  protection  legal 
framework.  Yet  the  challenges  for  the  EU  aquaculture  sector  are  numerous:  e.g.  limited 
access to space and licensing; industry fragmentation; limited access to seed capital or loans 
for innovation in a risky context (particularly with constant changes in the economic situation 
and  in  trade  patterns);  pressure  from  imports;  insufficiency  of  medicines  and  vaccines.  In 
addition,  stringent  EU  rules,  particularly  on  environmental  protection,  generate  competitive 
constraints vis-à-vis competitors in Asia or Latin America. 

The EU should invest in the global market, by selling its technologies and know-how in order 
to help tackle sustainability and safety challenges. 

The  aquaculture  industry  is  still  relatively  unknown  to  public  authorities  and  investors.  It 
faces the challenges of an evolving society competing for space and increasingly concerned 
about the environmental sustainability of farming activities. 

2.2. 

Building the future of the EU aquaculture industry 

The  Food  and  Agriculture  Organisation  of  the  United  Nations  predicts  world  seafood 
consumption will continue to rise. This demand cannot entirely be met by fish from the wild. 
Even  if  wild  stocks  were  recovered  to  Maximum  Sustainable  Yield  levels,  the  rapidly 
expanding demand will also have to be met from aquaculture production. The EU must meet 
these challenges and prepare for this growing demand in order to satisfy consumer demands. 

The  EU  aquaculture  industry  of  the  future  should  be  at  the  forefront  of  sustainable 
development. The appropriate measures must be put into place to ensure that our industry can 
take a lead role in the "blue revolution", whether this concerns the production of aquatic food 
itself, technology and innovation, or the setting of standards and certification processes at EU 
and international level. In order to achieve this goal, the aim of this Communication is to help 
bring  about  the  conditions  for  a  successful  and  sustainable  aquaculture  industry  that  can 
compete  successfully  in  the  market.  The  industry  should  be  able  to  cover  the  whole  supply 
chain including both high value and innovative products, which meet the needs of consumers 
in  the  EU  and  abroad,  and  the  production  of  high  standard  equipment  for  aquaculture 
businesses. 

The production of aquaculture food and equipment must be supported by the most advanced 
research and technology. The EU must maintain a strong research and technological edge to 
stay at the forefront in this strategic area and improve the competitiveness of the aquaculture 

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sector  by  encouraging  it  to  continuously  develop  and  use  innovative  technologies  and 
management  techniques.  Advanced  research  and  technology  must  also  help  the  aquaculture 
industry  to  be  environmentally  sustainable.  This  would  allow  a  number  of  EU  aquaculture 
businesses and the associated technology-providing industry to invest abroad. 

Market conditions will shape the way in which the industry contributes to supplying healthy 
and  safe  aquatic  food  products  while  at  the  same  time  decreasing  the  EU's  dependence  on 
imports.  EU  producers  should  position  their  products  on  the  market  as  high  value  products 
based on their environmental performance, high health standards and traceability, and further 
develop  markets  in  the  EU  and  abroad.  In  this  regard,  voluntary  labelling  and  certification 
schemes compatible with WTO provisions can strengthen consumer confidence and improve 
the position of aquaculture products that meet rigorous quality standards.  

With the help of advanced research and technology, aquaculture must be an industry that is 
environmentally  compatible.  Environmental  sustainability  is  a  necessity  and  consumers  also 
increasingly want to be assured that aquaculture products are produced and transported while 
fully  taking  account  of  high  standard  environmental  requirements.  Applying  high  standards 
will eventually also improve the image of the aquaculture industry and facilitate its access to 
the markets. 

A  number  of  important  challenges  that  limit  the  development  of  European  aquaculture 
directly depend on policies and actions taken at national or regional level. Public authorities 
must  therefore  establish  an  appropriate  framework  for  this  vision  to  become  concrete,  and 
should  contribute  to  lifting  bottlenecks  in  national  legislation.  This  framework  needs  to  be 
predictable, consistent and cost effective in order to allow the industry realise its potential. 

This Strategy can therefore only deliver if its vision and objectives are fully supported by all, 
and further strengthened and relayed by public authorities at national and regional level. 

3. 

PROMOTING COMPETITIVENESS OF EU AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION 

industry  (including  equipment  and 

In  order  to  bring  about  this  vision  for  European  aquaculture,  the  EU  should  promote  a 
competitive  and  diverse  aquaculture 
technology 
providers),  supported  by  the  most  advanced  research  and  technology,  covering  the  whole 
supply chain and meeting consumer demands in a sustainable manner. The priority needs for 
sustainable aquaculture development will also be assessed in the context of the reform of the 
Common Fisheries Policy and its future financial framework. In this context the Commission 
will consider in particular establishing specific funding possibilities for measures beyond the 
national dimension. 

3.1. 

Research and technological development 

The EU has been a key contributor to research and technological development in aquaculture. 
Under the 6th Research Framework Programme, 98 million € have been allocated to research 
projects for aquaculture, among which 32 million €  for SMEs. It is essential to continue and 
reinforce such support. 

The  sustainable  development  of  aquaculture  should  be  supported  by  excellence  in  research 
and innovation. Industry leaders have recently launched an initiative aimed at establishing a 
European  Aquaculture  Technology  and  Innovation  Platform  (EATIP),  with  the  view  to 
enabling  it  to  maintain  its  world  leadership,  and  to  provide  a  strategic  vision  and  define 

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priorities  for  the  European  aquaculture  sector  with  respect  to  research  and  technological 
development. Technological innovations in farming systems have proven efficient means for 
the aquaculture industry to reduce their environmental impacts. 

It  is  essential  to  further  support  excellence  in  research  and  technological  development  in 
aquaculture, to promote private initiatives in this area and to expand the opportunities for its 
financing. Public funded research may act as a lever to private R&D and should concentrate 
on  priorities,  especially  those  that  cannot  be  fully  supported  by  SMEs  or  with  high 
investments risks. In this context, synergies with maritime activities should also be found (e.g. 
offshore aquaculture). 

The Commission 

•  Will pursue efforts in aquaculture R&D, and allocate a sufficient EU budget to aquaculture 
projects to further develop the knowledge-base for sustainable and competitive aquaculture 
practices. The Commission will also look for a more efficient use of existing instruments at 
European level. In parallel, Members States and the industry are invited to increase their 
investment in aquaculture research in the context of the European Research Area; 

•  Will promote optimisation and development of key research infrastructures and reinforce 
networks and integration into broader scientific networks to address global challenges such 
as adaptation to climate change in the context of the new Maritime Policy and its strategic 
research agenda4; 

•  Invites  Member  States  to  recognise  the  importance  of  extensive  and  traditional  forms  of 
aquaculture  and  to  consider  possibilities  of  developing  production  in  existing  sites  and 
facilities. 

Furthermore,  adequate  insurance,  covering  stock  and/or  technology  related  risks,  can  play  a 
significant  role  in  supporting  the  development  of  the  aquaculture  industry,  especially  of 
innovative  projects  where  the  impact  of  losses  may  be  considerable.  The  Commission  will 
therefore analyse the impact of the projects and consider whether it is appropriate to adapt the 
current Guidelines for the Examination of State Aid to Fisheries and Aquaculture. 

3.2. 

Equal competitor in terms of space 

The increasing competition for space represents a major challenge for further developing or 
even maintaining all forms of coastal aquaculture, as well as freshwater fish-farming. 

Area choice is crucial and spatial planning has a key role to play in providing guidance and 
reliable data for the location of an economic activity, giving certainty to investors, avoiding 
conflicts and finding synergies between activities and environments with the ultimate aim of 
sustainable development. 

4 

Communication  from  the  Commission:  "An  EU  Strategy  for  Marine  and  Maritime  Research"  - 
COM(2008) 534. 

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The Commission 

•  Will continue its initiatives to promote the development of maritime spatial planning and 
Integrated  Coastal  Zone  Management,  as  identified  in  the  framework  of  the  new  EU 
Maritime Policy5; 

•  Invites all Member States to develop marine spatial planning systems, in which they fully 
recognise the strategic importance of aquaculture. In this context, as part of the preparation 
of  the  next  reform  of  the  Common  Fisheries  Policy,  the  Commission  will  consider  the 
possibility  to  strengthen  the  linkages  between  Community  financial  instruments  and  the 
issue of access to space for maritime activities, including aquaculture; 

•  Invites Member States to ensure that terrestrial land planning fully integrates the needs and 

values of freshwater aquaculture. 

3.3. 

Enabling the aquaculture business to cope with market demands 

The EU aquaculture industry should be able to answer to consumer demands, be adaptable to 
changing market requirements and be capable of interacting on an equal footing with the other 
actors of the marketing chain6. The Commission will review the market policy of fisheries and 
aquaculture products in 2009 and will 

•  Assess  and  address  needs  of  the  aquaculture  sector,  in  particular  regarding  producer 
organisations, inter-professions, consumer information and marketing instruments such as 
labelling  of  aquatic  food  products,  in  the  framework  of  the  future  reform  of  the  market 
policy for fisheries and aquaculture products; 

•  Continue  its  work  with  Member  States,  the  European  Parliament  and  stakeholders  to 
develop  and  promote  standards  (notably  on  organic  aquaculture  or  on  Eco-labelling 
Schemes); 

•  Continue its international cooperation on labelling and certification issues, notably with the 

FAO. 

3.4. 

The International dimension 

An innovative industry is also an opportunity for the associated sectors (e.g. equipment, fish 
feed,  animal  health  industries)  to  expand  and  export  their  know-how  to  other  parts  of  the 
world. 

In this context, the Commission will 

•  Consider establishing a basis for promoting aquaculture development in third countries and 
to  increase  business  opportunities  for  EU  aquaculture  firms,  in  the  framework  of  the 
external dimension of the Common Fisheries Policy; 

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COM(2007)  575  and  COM(2008)  791:  Roadmap  for  Maritime  Spatial  Planning:  Achieving  Common 
Principles in the EU. 
The "Consensus" project provides a positive example of improved discussion among stakeholders of the 
marketing chain. 

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•  Develop,  in  the  context  of  its  new  animal  health  action  plan,  an  export  strategy  at 
Community  level  in  order  to  strengthen  the  Community  role  in  negotiating  export 
conditions related to animal health issues; 

•  Continue to promote the need for sustainability in aquaculture development at international 
level  with  a  view  to  improve  the  environmental  record  of  some  present  practices  and 
improve the level playing field for this sector at a global level. 

4. 

ESTABLISHING CONDITIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH OF AQUACULTURE 

The  Community  shall  ensure  that  the  EU  aquaculture  industry  develops  in  a  way  which  is 
compatible  with  a  high  level  of  protection  of  the  natural  environment.  On  the  same  lines, 
aquatic food products that are manufactured in or imported to the EU shall comply with high 
protection  standards  of  consumer  health  and  safety.  The  Community  should  also  pursue  its 
objectives for a high level of protection of health and welfare in farmed aquatic animals. 

4.1. 

Ensuring compatibility between aquaculture and the environment 

4.1.1.  An environmentally-friendly aquaculture 

The EU is committed to a high level of environmental protection and Community legislation 
is based on the precautionary principle. Technologies for cleaning water by removing wastes 
and contaminants are available and the further development of new technologies to decrease 
effluent  is  also  likely  to  be  significant  in  the  coming  years.  Compliance  with  Community 
water legislation is also crucial to ensuring the water quality needed to produce quality and 
safe food. 

The Commission will 

•  Continue  to  emphasise  the  importance  of  environmentally  sustainable  development  of 

aquaculture in its policies and actions; 

•  Continue to monitor developments in terms of escapees and if necessary, assess the added 

value of possible action at the EU level. 

4.1.2.  An aquaculture-friendly environment 

Aquaculture requires water of the highest quality to guarantee health of aquatic animals and 
safe and high quality products. 

The  first  river  basin  management  plans  developed  by  Member  States  under  the  water 
framework  Directive  (WFD)7  shall,  as  a  minimum,  maintain  the  present  protection  level  of 
shellfish  growing  areas  as  afforded  by  the  Directive  on  shellfish  water  quality8.  The 
Commission also believes that the first update of the WFD river basin management plans in 
2015 should, as a minimum, maintain the same level of protection and that newly designated 
areas for the production of shellfish should be designated as protected areas under the WFD. 
Different regulatory regimes for old and new shellfish areas would not be an option. 

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Directive 2000/60/EC. 
Directive 2006/113/EC. 

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In this context the Commission will 

•  Ensure  that  Member  States  provide  an  appropriate  level  of  protection  of  shellfish  waters 
under  the  first  river  basin  management  plans  established  under  the  water  framework 
directive; 

•  Enhance information targeting national competent authorities and the industry to ensure a 
proper  implementation  of  the  WFD  and  of the  Marine  Strategy  Framework  Directive9  as 
regards aquaculture activities, including the development of guidelines on the application 
of the WFD to shellfish areas; 

•  Assess  the  need  to  complement  the  EU  water  protection  legal  framework  in  view  of  the 

repeal of the Directive on shellfish water quality. 

4.2. 

Shaping a high-performance aquatic animal-farming industry 

Optimal husbandry conditions, good health and adequate feed well suited to the physiological 
needs  of  the  farmed  aquatic  animals  are  essential  for  optimal  growth  and  production. 
Guaranteeing the welfare of farmed fish also contributes to a better image for the aquaculture 
industry. 

4.2.1. 

Securing animal health 

The EU legislative framework on aquatic animal health and on the prevention and control of 
certain diseases in aquatic animals has been reviewed in 2006. The Commission will secure a 
full implementation of Directive 2006/88/EC and ensure that aquatic animal health needs are 
fully  taken  into  account  in  the  new  animal  health  policy  strategy  and  its  implementation 
action plan10. In this context the Commission will 

•  Assess and possibly review the list of important diseases for aquatic animals11 by 2011;  

•  Review, in 2009, the current provisions regarding additional guarantees for some diseases 
imposed  at  Member  State  level,  in  order  to  ensure  that  these  measures  do  not  represent 
unjustified barriers, while maintaining a high level of animal health protection; 

•  Assess  the  present  financial  instruments  available  to  support  measures  dedicated  to  the 
health  of  aquatic  animals  (in  particular  regarding  the  promotion  of  on-farm  bio-security 
measures and training). This assessment will be integrated in the reform of the Common 
Fisheries Policy and the associated financial framework. 

4.2.2.  Ensuring animal welfare 

Animal welfare is a common concern to consumers, policy makers and producers. Beside its 
ethical  dimension,  animal  welfare  appears  as  an  important  criterion  in  the  choice  of 
consumers. 

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Directive 2008/56/EC. 
COM(2008) 545. 
In  this  framework,  the  Commission  has  already  de-listed  Spring  Viremia  of  Carp  from  the  list  of 
diseases covered by Directive 2006/88/EC. 

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The scientific base for fish welfare is far less developed than that for terrestrial farm animals. 
In line with the action plan on animal welfare12 the Commission will thus 

•  Seek advice on fish welfare on a species dependent basis and will promote the need for a 
species-dependent approach at international fora (in particular the World Organisation for 
Animal Health); 

•  Launch in the next two years, an evaluation on fish welfare in aquaculture with a view to 
examining  possible  legislative  and  non-legislative  measures.  Besides,  the  Commission 
intends to revise present provisions in the "animal transport Regulation"13 which currently 
apply to all vertebrates but are not suitable to aquatic animals; 

•  Encourage industry initiatives aimed at ensuring the welfare of farmed fish. 

4.2.3.  Addressing the need for veterinary medicines 

Fish diseases are both an animal health and an animal welfare issue. It is therefore of utmost 
importance to allow controlled and prudent use of medicines on farmed animals. The limited 
availability  of  authorised  veterinary  medicinal  products  to  address  health  risks  remains 
however one of the major problems for the aquaculture industry. 

The Commission will 

•  Encourage  Members  States 

the 
concerned 
recommendations  made  by  the  "Availability  Task  Force"  in  its  2007  report14,  and  will 
participate in the proposed regular reviews of the situation; 

stakeholders, 

implement 

and 

to 

•  Contribute  to  improve  information  exchanges  between  the  competent  authorities  and  the 
different  actors  of  fish  health,  in  particular  by  convening  "experts  &  stakeholders" 
meetings. 

4.2.4.  Ensuring high quality and sustainable feed-stuff for fish 

Access  to  affordable  and  easily  available  fish-feed  remains  a  critical  issue  for  the 
development of aquaculture. The main aquaculture species demanded by the European market 
are carnivorous species and their feeding still largely depends on the availability of fish meal 
and fish oil. The sector's reliance on fish meal and fish oils as main constituents for fish feed 
may  raise  concerns  about  both  its  economic  and  environmental  sustainability.  On  the  one 
hand, fishmeal/oils production struggles to meet a growing demand, pushing prices upwards. 
On  the  other  hand,  the  use  of  fishmeal/oil  from  industrial  fisheries  may  challenge  the 
sustainability  of  the  sector  and  be  detrimental  to  its  image.  At  the  same  time,  various 
considerations must be taken into account in the search for suitable alternatives, ranging from 
consumer  protection  to  animal  welfare.  When  defining  community  rules  and  standards  for 
fish-feed a careful balance must be struck between the benefits from high consumer protection 
and the constraints put on the competitiveness of the industry. 

12 
13 
14 

COM(2006) 13. 
Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations. 
http://www.hma.eu/203.html 
http://www.hma.eu/uploads/media/TF_Report_Availability_Vet_Medicines.pdf  

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Within its policy for a very high level of consumer protection, the Commission will contribute 
to facilitating EU aquaculture through improving the EU feed law through 

•  Increasing  the  availability  of  necessary  additives  for  fish  feed,  notably  on  the  basis  of 
guidelines on "smooth" authorisation procedures of feed additives adopted in May 2008; 

•  Securing the adoption of its proposal for the revised "Animal by-product Regulation"15, to 
ensure  that  aquatic  animals  can  be  given  feed  originating  from  aquatic  animals  while 
preventing the feeding of a fish species with feed originating from the same fish species. 

4.3. 

Ensuring  consumer  health  protection  and  recognising  the  health  benefit  of 
aquatic food 

To  guarantee  a  high  level  of  consumer  protection,  competent  authorities  have  to  take 
preventive measures and impose requirements to ensure food quality and safety, as well as to 
establish  surveillance  and  market  prohibitions  where  necessary.  This  requires  a  solid  and 
scientifically-based  identification  of  these  risks,  and  a  level  playing  field.  The  Commission 
will 

•  Continue  to  address  the  need  to  ensure  that  aquatic  food  products  are  safe  for  the 
consumer,  both  such  food  produced  in  the  Community  and  food  imported  from  third 
countries; 

•  Maintain the legislative tools in accordance with new knowledge on food safety in order to 
address  the  food  safety  risks  in  the  most  appropriate  way.  In  this  framework,  the 
Commission  will  re-examine  the  situation  on  bio-toxins  on  the  basis  of  the  review  on 
marine bio-toxins awaited from the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) by mid 2009; 

•  Continue  to  base  its  actions  on  science  and  on  the  precautionary  principle.  The 
Commission  will  also  assess  and  take  into  account  also  the  health  benefits  related  to  the 
consumption of aquatic food. 

5. 

IMPROVING THE SECTOR'S IMAGE AND GOVERNANCE 

European aquaculture should benefit from an improved framework for governance. It is also 
important to improve the image of aquaculture and to create a level-playing field at EU level, 
conducive  to  the  sustainable  development  of  aquaculture.  Consultation  with  stakeholders  is 
important  to  raise  the  profile  of  aquaculture  businesses.  But  national  authorities  have  a 
primary role in shaping aquaculture development in their territory. 

5.1. 

Better implementation of EU legislation 

Better  implementation  of  EU  legislation  by  Members  States  should  ensure  a  level-playing 
field among economic operators on decisions affecting the development of aquaculture. 

The Commission will also contribute to this objective and 

15 

COM(2008) 345. 

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•  Develop  guidance  documents  and  organise  specific  workshops  with  stakeholders  and 
national  authorities  to  facilitate  the  knowledge  and  implementation  of  its  main 
environmental  policy  instruments.  In  this  context,  priority  will  be  given  to  guidance 
documents on aquaculture activities and Natura 2000; 

•  Ensure  that  Member  States  implement  EU  animal  health  and  consumer  protection  law 
properly,  with  additional  guidance  developed  where  needed.  The  Commission  will 
continue carrying out "on the spot" inspections and audits, and ensuring that third countries 
meet  requirements  at  least  equivalent  to  those  laid  down  in  EU  legislation.  The 
Commission  will  focus  particularly  on  proper  implementation  of  tests  for  marine  bio-
toxins  in  shellfish  and  of  the  new  Directive  on  health  policy  and  control  of  diseases  in 
aquatic animals by all Member States. 

5.2. 

Reducing the administrative burden 

Reducing the administrative burden, especially for Small and Medium Enterprises is essential 
to promote development. 

The Commission 

•  Will  continue  to  develop  its  policy  of  simplifying  the  legislative  environment  and  the 

reduction of the administrative burden at EU level; 

•  Invites Member States to take measures to facilitate business development and reduce the 
administrative burden deriving from national provisions, notably by simplifying licensing 
procedures for aquaculture. 

5.3. 

Ensuring proper stakeholder participation and appropriate information to  the 
public 

Wide and adequate consultation is instrumental for better regulation and better governance to 
which  the  Commission  is  fully  committed.  The  industry  and  public  authorities  should  give 
transparent information to enhance the image of the industry. 

The Commission 

•  Will assess the need to revise and to raise the profile of the aquaculture industry, and the 

possibilities to reinforce the role of aquaculture representatives; 

•  Will  create  a  forum  for  dialogue  between  the  European  Aquaculture  Technology  and 
Innovation Platform, the Commission and Member States’ research programme managers 
to facilitate the programming of research activities at Community and national level; 

•  Invites  Member  States  to  support  pro-active  public  information  initiatives  from  the 
aquaculture  industry,  in  particular  using  the  possibilities  available  in  the  European 
Fisheries Fund. 

5.4. 

Ensuring an adequate monitoring of the aquaculture sector 

Public  policies  need  to  be  supported  by  reliable  indicators.  Until  recently,  official  EU 
statistics on aquaculture were of a rather limited scope. In this context the Commission will 

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•  Monitor the progress and evolution of this sector, in particular by way of the new statistics 

Regulation16 and the new data collection framework; 

•  Actively  participate  internationally  (most  notably  with  the  FAO)  to  further  develop  and 

collect global and harmonised indicators for this growing industry; 

•  Broaden  its  information-base  regarding  market  prices.  The  Commission  will  put  in  place 
the necessary measures to establish a price monitoring system for fisheries and aquaculture 
products throughout the marketing chain. 

6. 

CONCLUSION 

The global developments and the strategic importance of aquaculture in terms of food security 
contribute to give this sector a promising future. 

In the EU, the aquaculture sector has become a modern, dynamic industry that produces safe, 
high  valuable  and  high  quality  products,  and  has  also  developed  the  means  to  be 
environmentally  sustainable.  But  this  industry  is  also  facing  a  number  of  challenges.  This 
strategy  should  deliver  the  best  possible  growth  potential  for  the  EU  aquaculture  industry, 
taking into account both our assets and constraints. 

This  Communication aims at increasing awareness among  policy makers and public bodies, 
about  the  importance  of  aquaculture  in  the  European  Union.  This  Strategy  also  aims  at 
providing  EU  leadership  and  guidance  to  both  stakeholders  and  administrations  to  ensure 
consistency  and  clarity  in  designing  the  policies  needed  for  the  sustainable  development  of 
European aquaculture. We need to turn the EU aquaculture challenges into opportunities. 

To  achieve  these  ambitions,  all  actors,  private  and  public,  will  have  to  be  committed  to  the 
future of the European aquaculture sector. 

The  Commission  therefore  invites  the  Parliament,  the  Council,  and  all  interested  parties  to 
support  this  EU  aquaculture  strategy  and  to  work  in  partnership  between  public  authorities 
and  interested  parties,  at  EU,  national  and  local  levels  to  unlock  the  potential  for  EU 
aquaculture  development,  while  continuing  to  ensure  environmental  sustainability  and  the 
highest health standards. 

16 

Regulation (EC) No 762/2008 

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