Press Release: Commission launches consultation on a sustainable future for European aquaculture

The European Commission has started a consultation exercise on opportunities for the development of aquaculture in the European Union. The steady growth in the demand for fisheries products represents great potential for further development in the production of such products from aquaculture. The purpose of this consultation is, therefore, to establish what action is desirable at EU level so that both the sector and the consumers can reap the maximum benefit from this development, while ensuring the sustainability of aquaculture activities. A detailed consultation paper has been published on the Internet, and stakeholders and citizens have until 15 July 2007 to provide the Commission with their views.