Fish farming industry must become involved in water framework directive

The WFD has far-reaching implications for aquaculture activities in freshwater, estuarine and coastal waters, yet so far, there has been little formal involvement from the industry. There are real concerns that the Directive may lead to new demands for regulation of fishing and aquaculture activities in areas deemed environmentally sensitive. Issues include the possible lack of a microbiological standard in the WFD, which could put shellfish growing waters at risk when the Shellfish Waters Directive is repealed in 2013. Marcus Jacklin of Seafish states: “Representation at this level is vital to ensure that fishing interests are not overlooked when the management plans are being drawn up.” The WFD is the most substantial piece of environmental legislation ever produced by the European Commission. It came into force in 2003 and requires that all inland and coastal waters out to one nautical mile in England and Wales and three nautical miles in Scotland will achieve ‘good environmental status’ by 2015.