On Wednesday, 20 September 2023, the Committee on Fisheries held a public hearing entitled “The importance of fisheries and aquaculture for rural areas”. The objective of this hearing was to listen to various stakeholders on what is important to them when it comes to fisheries and aquaculture in rural areas.
Fisheries and aquaculture provide a vital source of healthy food, employment, recreation, trade and economic well-being for present and future generations, which, in turn, enhances rural development. Speakers from diverse backgrounds, such as fishers, scientists or representatives of fisheries’ associations, discussed all relevant aspects of fisheries and aquaculture operating in rural areas.