Minister Connick welcomes the EU Commission focus on aquaculture development

 The Commission said that in the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy it intends to put a specific focus on the development of European aquaculture. The Commission said that it is planning to introduce a specific financial funding mechanism for the development of aquaculture post 2012. The Commission also clarified that it was anxious to develop a new consultative structure for the aquaculture industry in Europe along the lines of a regional advisorycCouncil, which currently is in place for the fishing industry.

Minister Connick said he was convinced that there is huge potential for the development of many different kinds of aquaculture in Ireland and around Europe:

“I see this sector becoming an increasing source of sustainable employment and economic activity right around our coastline. We are currently working hard to resolve the issues in relation to compliance of aquaculture activities in Natura 2000 areas with EU environmental directives. I see great potential for the development of the sector as these issues are progressively resolved.”