|
SEVERAL Euro MPS have called for a strengthening of the aquaculture sector throughout Europe in order to take the pressure off wild fish stocks.
They say a stronger fish farming sector would not only help to meet growing consumer demand for fish but would also help protect sea stocks.
However, they also warned that safeguards are needed to prevent environmental and public health risks, says a resolution adopted by the European Parliament. The MEPs argue that clearer rules, less red tape and research investment are needed for the sector to take off.
The resolution was drafted by Italian MEP Guido Milana and adopted by 420 votes to 15 with 7 abstentions, suggests ways of boosting the European aquaculture sector, which is lagging behind the industry in other parts of the world.
The aquaculture sector, the MEPs said, requires investment, long-term planning and hence clear and stable rules, emphasise MEPs. They therefore call on the Commission to consolidate all EU legislation on this sector.
It was also agreed that future legislation should lay down standard certification criteria for products and basic parameters on environmental impact, use of water resources, feeding of farmed fish, molluscs and crustaceans, product traceability and labelling, fish health and welfare standards. Implementation and checks would be the responsibility of Member States.
The resolution also stressed the need to lay down rigorous quality and traceability criteria and clear labelling principles for high-quality and organic aquaculture products. The Commission is asked to introduce an eco-labelling programme for fishery and aquaculture products that follows the current general EU guidelines in the area.
Additional funding via the future European Fisheries Fund is needed, with a focus on innovative farms with lesser environmental impact, says Parliament.
However, financing should be available only for sustainable practices. Aquaculture systems which deplete wild fish stocks or pollute coastal waters must be deemed unsustainable, believe MEPs.
Should fisheries be closed during breeding time to allow stocks to reach more sustainable levels?
