Rules governing European fish farming are currently scattered across several different agencies — including trade, health and the environment — but they should be brought under one body, a World Wildlife Fund spokeswoman told SeafoodSource on Monday.
“There needs to be a comprehensive strategy,” she said.
Aquaculture is booming across the globe, and while Europeans actually eat more than 5 million metric tons of farmed fish annually, the continent produces less than 1 million metric tons of farmed fish.
During a public hearing in late February, European Parliament members learned the details of a report on fish farming compiled by MEP Guido Milana, Parliament’s rapporteur. The report outlined how concerns over environmental sustainability and aquaculture’s “often justified negative image” pose obstacles to growth.
The report also highlighted how clear rules, a level playing field and political determination are required for aquaculture to grow sustainably. Milana suggested that umbrella legislation would ensure consistency.
The report faces a plenary vote in the European Parliament on 17 June.
“We’re happy that Parliament also believes there needs to be a comprehensive, legislative framework,” said the WWF representative. “In the long term we are concerned about sustainable funding for aquaculture and sourcing sustainable feeds, and in the short term we want to see a sustainable sourcing policy encouraged.”
Neither the European Council or European Commission are required to act on the report. But if the document has major backing from MEPs, it will be hard for either bodies to ignore the voice of the people.
All Aquaculture stories >