Although the European Union is the world leader in research and technological development in aquaculture and brings to the planet about half of all the consumed fish, that position has not been reflected in an increase in production compared to what has happened in other parts of the world. The Commission therefore intends to relaunch the sector by presenting a new strategy to provide a new impetus and promote sustainable growth.

After an extensive public consultation process where all stakeholders were involved, and following the first review of the European aquaculture strategy adopted in 2002, the Commission has put forward a proposal to boost this sector and get the most from its potential in research and development. In its Communication the Commission examines the root causes of the stagnation in EU aquaculture production and looks at ways to improve the sector's competitiveness, sustainability and governance.

Keys for EU's aquaculture sector development

• The sector can become more competitive through ongoing strong support for research and technological development, improved planning of space in coastal areas and river basins to make it easier for the sector to compete for space and water, and inclusion of its specific needs in the EU's market policy for fisheries products.
• It will remain sustainable if it continues to build on environmentally friendly production methods, maintains high animal health and welfare standards and delivers a high level of consumer protection.
• More can be done to enhance the sector's image and its governance-related aspects. Aquaculture's success will depend to a large extend on there being a business-friendly environment for the sector at national and/or local level. Hence the Commission's willingness to provide Member States and regional authorities with guidance to ensure that targeted measures at local, national and EU level help the sector make full use of its assets.

The Commission believes that a strong, reinvigorated aquaculture industry would serve as a catalyst for growth in related sectors and further contribute to the development of rural and coastal areas. Moreover, consumers would benefit in the form of healthy, high-quality food products produced in an environmentally friendly way. These are just some of the crucial benefits that would accrue from concerted European action at all levels to unlock the aquaculture sector's full potential.