Environmental NGOs propose several priorities to ensure that European aquaculture develops in an environmentally responsible manner. To minimise the environmental impacts of aquaculture the priorities are to ensure sustainable sourcing of feed, to avoid escapes by adopting technical standards, to minimise biodiversity impacts and to reduce the impact of chemicals and medicine use. To fill the knowledge and data gaps, more research and data collection are needed regarding the effects of aquaculture on wider ecosystems. This should underpin the development of measurable targets and indicators. Also aquaculture governance needs to be improved, to ensure early and effective stakeholder and public participation and the integration of environmental legislation. Innovative production processes such as integrated multi-trophic aquaculture and aquaponics should be supported and encouraged. Public funding needs to be focused and accountable and environmentally responsible trade promoted.

BLOG: 2013 is set to be a crucial year for European aquaculture with the EU aiming on boosting growth in the sector and existing proposals in the ongoing reform of the CFP also set to further harness efforts.  

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The US Food and Drug Administration Agency (FDA) is close to approving a genetically modified form of Atlantic salmon to be sold as food. If approved, the fish will become the first genetically modified animal to be available for human consumption.

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The European Commission is currently promoting growth in the aquaculture sector as a means to meet future seafood demands and as a potential source of employment and economic growth. Even though significant progress has been made to improve the sector's environmental performance, various environmental challenges remain to be solved.  

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