Aquaculture: Overview for the EU

Indgående analyse 28-08-2017

EU aquaculture essentially consists of the farming of shellfish and fish, in salt and fresh water. Having to meet requirements on environmental protection, animal health and the quality of products for consumers, this sector struggles to hold its own in EU territories. The EU promotes the sustainable development of aquaculture activities, in particular through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, the financial instrument dedicated to supporting the Common Fisheries Policy guidelines. This financial support must form part of the implementation of the multi-annual national strategic plans for aquaculture, which the Member States had to put in place and, for which the optimal outlook will result in 25% growth in total aquaculture production levels by 2020. The European Commission is responsible for facilitating the implementation of the open method of coordination between Member States, a voluntary process between governments to exchange information and best practice with respect to certain challenges facing the aquaculture sector, in particular in terms of administrative burdens and installation authorisations for companies.