EU to build stronger aquaculture sector

A stronger aquaculture in Europe with clearer rules, less red tape and research investment could help provide alternatives to wild fish species, said Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

The resolution drafted by Guido Milana suggests ways of boosting the European aquaculture sector, which is lagging behind the industry in other parts of the world.

Under the resolution, the future legislation should lay down standard certification criteria for products and basic parameters on environmental impact, use of water resources, feeding of farmed fish, molluscs and crustaceans, product traceability and labelling, fish health and welfare standards. Implementation and checks would be the responsibility of member states.

MEPs also stressed the need to lay down rigorous quality and traceability criteria and clear labelling principles for high-quality and organic aquaculture products. The Commission is asked to introduce an eco-labelling programme for fishery and aquaculture products that follows the current general EU guidelines in the area.

Arguing that sector's success will largely depend on a more business-friendly environment, the resolution urged member states to reduce red tape for start-ups, for example by creating one-stop shops for administrative formalities.

Additional funding via the future European Fisheries Fund is needed, with a focus on innovative farms with lesser environmental impact. However, financing should be available only for sustainable practices which do not deplete wild fish stocks or pollute coastal waters, MEPs said.

The resolution also argued that European aquaculture should give priority to fish species which do not need other fish as part of their feed or which require smaller amounts of fish meals and oils.