The European Commission has published three new staff working documents to promote sustainable aquaculture in the European Union. These documents focus on three crucial topics: access to space and water for freshwater and land-based aquaculture, climate-change adaptation, and energy transition.
The documents in detail
Access to space and water for freshwater and land-based aquaculture
This Staff Working Document focuses on the challenges facing inland aquaculture, particularly access to space and water. This document complements the previous Commission publication from April 2024 on planning access to space and water for marine aquaculture.
Climate-change adaptation in the EU aquaculture sector
This Staff Working Document aims at supporting Member States and the aquaculture sector to prepare Climate Adaptation Plans for aquaculture. The document explains how climate change is affecting EU aquaculture and provides guidance on developing climate adaptation plans. It features examples of good practices for several climate adaptation measures.
Energy transition in the EU aquaculture sector
This Staff Working Document outlines the main energy use in the aquaculture sector and suggests ways to decarbonise it. With a practical approach, this publication lists good practices and features EU-funded projects active in the decarbonisation of aquaculture. The document considers the work done so far under the EU Energy Transition Initiative for fisheries and aquaculture.
These three new publications elaborate on the recommendations included in the strategic guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture. Developed in collaboration with EU member states, aquaculture producers, the aquaculture advisory council, and scientific experts, they consolidate good practices and provide concrete examples to support EU countries in promoting sustainable aquaculture.
Next steps
The Commission and the EU Aquaculture Assistance Mechanism are currently working on documents on the environmental performance of aquaculture and fish welfare.
The Commission will offer training to EU Member States authorities on the documents through the EU Aquaculture Assistance Mechanism. E-learning modules for each document will be available on the Assistance Mechanism website.
Aquaculture is a sector subject to continuous innovation and technological advancements. To better meet existing and emerging challenges and support future development, the Commission will continue to update the staff working documents.