Brussels – The EU’s Fisheries Committee today adopted its report on the Data Collection Framework regulation (DCF), an effort that was designed to improve the information behind the Common Fisheries Policy.
This paper explores solutions and actions required to develop an ecologically sustainable feed resource on which European aquaculture can rely. The feed related priorities include, certification for fishmeal and fishoil by credible and independent environmental certification schemes, ensuring that fin fish aquaculture facilities are net producers of fish protein, an increased use of non fish based feed ingredients, discouragement of the use of discards or bycatch, maximisation of the use in the production of fishmeal and fish oil of by-products and trimmings; assessments of the environmental footprint of alternative feeds.
Brussels - Karmenu Vella, candidate for Commissioner for Fisheries and Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, survived his hearing in the European Parliament relatively unscathed, but without convincing that the Juncker Commission will put sustainability at the heart of their agenda.
Brussels – The new President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, revealed his new team of Commissioners yesterday, and unveiled the surprising plan to merge the Environment and Maritime Affairs and Fisheries portfolios into one position.
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.
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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