We need action, not words, EU's fish and shellfish farmers tell commissioner
Excessive bureaucracy listed among reasons why aquaculture sector has declined
Finfish and shellfish farmers have urged Europe’s Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, to support a reduction in red tape and other action to reverse a decline in EU aquaculture production.
They say the downturn is caused by excessive bureaucracy, burdensome administrative processes, fragmented initiatives, insufficient recognition in spatial planning, and policy frameworks that generate consultations but deliver few results.
The presidents and general secretaries of the European Molluscs Producers’ Association (EMPA), the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP), and the European Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Platform (EATIP) met with Kadis yesterday.
Stronger leadership
They called on the commissioner to champion stronger political leadership within the European Commission and across EU member states, ensuring aquaculture is fully integrated into food policy, competitiveness strategies, research priorities, and environmental legislation.
Kadis said aquaculture was a “top priority” in his portfolio.
Addy Risseeuw, president of EMPA, stressed the need for a dedicated EU policy recognising aquaculture as a distinct strategic sector within the EU food system - essential for food security, climate resilience, and coastal development.
He called for clear and quantitative growth objectives, including a 25% increase in EU aquaculture production by 2040, supported by improved access to space, streamlined regulations, and a balanced approach to environmental and food production goals, with a bottom-up approach.
Clear targets needed
FEAP secretary general, Javier Ojeda, said that “without clear production targets, there is no accountability and no progress”. He stressed that while strong environmental protection is essential, regulatory frameworks must also enable responsible growth, innovation, and investment in fish farming.
Lorenzo Gennari, president of EATIP, highlighted the need for coherence in aquaculture research and innovation within the development of the new Ocean Research and Innovation Strategy and upcoming Horizon Europe Framework Programme.
He said specific consideration needs to be given to the fact that research actions are often inaccessible to micro and small enterprises, and that producer associations are ready to play a greater role.
The organisations expressed their appreciation for Kadis’s engagement but stressed that what matters now is implementation. The EU must convert good intentions, at both Commission and member state level, into measurable outcomes that enable a thriving, competitive, and sustainable aquaculture sector.
