Implementation Dialogue on EU Aquaculture Policy with Commissioner Kadis

Today, following an invitation from Commissioner Kadis, our Chair, Yobana Bermúdez, participated in an Implementation Dialogue on EU Aquaculture Policy, which aimed to address the sector’s challenges and opportunities, bottlenecks, areas for improvement, and examples of best practice. Our Chair raised the following points:

– The potential of EU aquaculture must be unlocked, in order to supply the EU market with additional sustainable protein sources;

– While, worldwide, aquaculture reached record production levels, the EU sector stagnated due to administrative requirements, limited access to space and water, and trade and governance challenges;

– Consumption of fishery and aquaculture products recently decreased. Recent crises drove steep cost increases. Strong standards benefit operators, consumers and society, but operators must adapt to the cost implications. Therefore, consumer awareness campaigns are needed to promote sustainable consumption and social recognition;

– The EMFF and the EMFAF supported modernisation and innovation, but have not significantly improved economic performance or employment. The upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework should ensure a dedicated fund, at least maintaining the existing allocation;

– Producer Organisations and Interbranch Organisations play a key role in the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy. Efforts should be made to raise awareness and increase attractiveness for aquaculture operators;

– Traceability rules benefit operators and consumers, but the Fisheries Control Regulation, including the concept of “unique fishing trip identification number”, was designed from the perspective of fisheries, so sector-specific guidance is needed;

– The EU should ensure a level-playing-field in the EU market and fair trade. The EU should continue dialogue with third countries and provide targeted support to strengthen environmental and social practices;

– The reuse targets for fish boxes under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation present operational and economic challenges, so the Commission should study the mentioned impacts and promote recyclability.