Aquaculture guidelines

Overview

In 2021 the Commission adopted new strategic guidelines to make aquaculture more sustainable and competitive. The guidelines will help the EU aquaculture sector become stronger and environmentally friendly. 

The guidelines build on experience at EU and national strategic level and take into account developments, including research and innovation or the use of EU funding, since the adoption of the previous guidelines.

The Commission's strategic guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture set a vision for the sector from 2021-2030. They aim to align EU countries, the aquaculture sector and other stakeholders towards the goals of the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy. EU countries have reviewed their national strategic plans to support this vision.

The EU Aquaculture Assistance Mechanism helps EU countries, the aquaculture industry, and stakeholders implement the guidelines. They provide logistical, administrative, and technical assistance, as well as a central hub for information on sustainable aquaculture in the EU.

Objectives

 The guidelines set four inter-related objectives for the further development of EU aquaculture

• building resilience and competitiveness
• participating in the green transition
• ensuring social acceptance and consumer information
• increasing knowledge and innovation

Actions

The strategic guidelines identify 13 areas where further work is needed to promote the sustainability, competitiveness and resilience of EU aquaculture. The guidelines provide specific recommendations and propose concrete actions by the Commission, EU countries and the Aquaculture Advisory Council.

EU countries have reviewed their national aquaculture strategies in light of the guidelines, which will also structure the use of relevant EU funding, in particular the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (2021-2027).

The EU supports research and innovation on key aspects of European aquaculture. From its interactions with the environment and health and nutrition of farmed fish, to reproduction and breeding. Research and innovation on sustainable aquaculture is a priority under Horizon Europe, the EU framework programme for research and innovation.

Documents

Strategic guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture for the period 2021 to 2030

A new strategic vision for sustainable aquaculture production and consumption in the European Union - Blue farming in the European Green Deal