Page 24 - FAO Aquaculture News, May 2021 - No. 63

Webinar: Regional Review on Status and Trends in

Aquaculture Development in Europe – 2020

his article summarizes the key messages and findings Technology and research
Tfrom the regional review on the status and trends of Aquaculture production technology and management will
aquaculture development in Europe, as presented during advance, assuring the health and welfare of stocks and
a webinar held on 26 October 2020. A video recording of productivity. Ms Ingrid Olesen stressed that selecting,
each webinar can be found here: breeding and culturing selected stocks need more support.
www.aquaculture2020.org/reviews. Prioritization of fewer species is most important, which
helps focus support on targeted responsible practices, and Special Section | Aquaculture Reviews
Aquaculture integration in regional policies, sustainable feeds development and breeding programmes.
social license, crisis management and resilience However, given the lack of diversity in monoculture systems,
In her opening remarks, Ms Lorella de la Cruz Iglesias species diversification may be important in some cases.
emphasized the important role for aquaculture in the Given aquaculture´s low carbon footprint, the research
European Union´s Green Deal and the food systems and development priority should be to exploit the climate
approach, including the potential for aquaculture mitigation potential from carbon sequestration and storage
integration in the call From Farm to Fork. She recognized using the aquaculture of low trophic level species such as
that the social license to operate has become very important macroalgae and mussels. Integration with wind farms may
for the sector and for individual operations. Based on provide additional energy and cost-efficient opportunities.
Member States’ aquaculture strategic plans, the European
Union is developing a vision for the aquaculture sector, Innovative governance
which foresees that support will be provided for sustainable Ms Selina Stead highlighted that European aquaculture
development. However, crises such as the COVID-19 is not realizing its full potential due to lack of political
pandemic that has disrupted supply chains and climate will and lack of a comprehensive and cohesive planning
change that is affecting aquaculture need to be addressed. system for food production from aquatic resources. She
The resilience in the food sector, including aquaculture, recommended three actions for innovative governance:
needs to be strengthened. (i) change the narrative about aquaculture and emphasize
benefits of aquaculture; (ii) embrace good governance
Continued growth, public acceptance, principles, such as cohesion, openness, participation,
sustainability and demand for aquaculture
products
Mr Courtney Hough, author of the regional review, INTRODUCTION AND KEYNOTE
confirmed that aquaculture will continue to grow in Europe, Welcome remarks Matthias Halwart
although this growth will likely be with higher-value marine Head, Aquaculture Branch, FAO
species and with controls and restrictions on site capacity. Opening remarks Lorella De La Cruz Iglesias
The potential for integrating aquaculture with other Deputy Head of Unit/ Coordinator of
Aquaculture Team, Directorate-General for
activities is significant and needs facilitation and support, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, European
primarily by national and local administrations. Climate Commission
change is challenging European aquaculture operations Regional Review of Courtney Hough
and enterprises, affecting planning and investment. Public Aquaculture in Europe – former General Secretary of Federation of
acceptance imposes the need to improve and implement Status, Trends and Options for European Aquaculture Producers. European
the Way Forward
Aquaculture Technology and Innovation
best practices supported by certification and labelling. Platform
Sustainability will be a core guideline for the consumer, EXPERT PANEL DISCUSSION
but clear and understandable definitions are needed for
measurable criteria. Mr Hough further highlighted new Aquaculture research, Ingrid Olesen
Senior Scientist, NOFIMA, Norway
technology and innovation
prospects for aquaculture products in a strong European
market, demanding products that are processed, packaged, Sustainable aquaculture Selina Stead
ready-to-cook and easy-to-consume; the preference for development and the Head, Institute of Aquaculture, Scotland,
local produce sold locally is a trend confirmed during the socio-economic dimension United Kingdom
COVID-19 pandemic. Producers perspectives: Lara Barazi-Yeroulanos
regulations, licensing, Chief Executive Officer, Kefalonia Fisheries
markets and trade S.A., Greece
Q&A AND CONCLUSION
Prepared by: Question and Answer session
Uwe Barg
E-mail: Uwe.Barg@fao.org Closing remarks Matthias Halwart
Head, Aquaculture Branch, FAO
FAO Fisheries Division, Rome, Italy
Moderator: Uwe Barg, Aquaculture Branch, FAO.

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWS – Nº. 63 ■ MAY 2021 23