1. Finalisation of study report
Aquaculture
Finalisation of study report
on WFD and MSFD issues
European Commission
DG Environment
Marine Environment and Water Industry Unit

2. Objective
Cefas (the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science in the United Kingdom) has been contracted by the European Commission (DG ENV in cooperation with DG MARE) to deliver the project “Background information for sustainable aquaculture development addressing in particular environmental protection”
The overall objective of the project is to provide support for the development of guidance documentation for the implementation of environmental legislation and especially the Water Framework Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive in the context of the development of sustainable aquaculture

3. Process
The project commenced with a literature search on European aquaculture, systems and environmental impacts, and a review of European environmental legislation relevant to aquaculture
Consultation process:
Two workshops were held in Brussels towards the beginning and end of the project
Four two-day good-practice workshops have been organised, one in each of the marine regions (North East Atlantic, Mediterranean, Baltic and Black Sea/Danube, also covering freshwater aquaculture)
Final deliverable: a report containing background information necessary for the elaboration of EU guidance documents on the correct implementation of the WFD and MSFD in relation to aquaculture

4. Issues identified Areas requiring clarification:
Precautionary Principle, Polluter Pays Principle
The adoption of zero nutrient impact
When an introduced species becomes naturalised
Application of WFD Article 4.7 to aquaculture
Areas where a standardised approach across MS is required:
Ecological continuity
Access to freshwater for aquaculture
Discharge parameters and emission permitting
Water use and charging for the industry
The application of WFD Article 9 to aquaculture
Monitoring emissions by the industry

5. Issues identified (cont.)
Areas requiring further R&D and standardisation across MS:
Spatial planning and the availability of suitable locations
The development, refinement, application and general acceptance of carrying capacity models
Provision of Allocated Zones for Aquaculture (AZA)
Areas where a level playing field is required:
Equal rights to space and water as other users
Common guidelines for environmental licensing
Standard interpretation of EU legislation across the whole of the EU

6. Examples of Good practices across MS
One-stop-shops and streamlining of licensing processes (Norway, Denmark)
Development of strategies for aquaculture (Hungary, Greece)
Cooperation, dialogue and sharing of understanding between relevant authorities, fish farmers and other stakeholders (Ireland)
Spatial planning for aquaculture (Scotland, Denmark, Greece)
Consistent and proportionate application to all sectors i.e. a level playing field
Risk- and evidence-based approach to determining monitoring requirements
Administrative costs proportionate to administrative effort required

7. Recommendations For administrators Consider "one-stop-shop" approach
Provide strategic planning for aquaculture development
Integrate aquaculture into objectives & measures in 2nd round of RBMPs
Provide Allocated Zones for Aquaculture (AZAs) or similar
Adopt a risk and evidence-based approach to determining monitoring requirements
Develop simple specific guidance for regulators and industry helping those developing new or expanded aquaculture businesses assess whether their planned facilities are likely to comply with the obligations of the WFD & MSFD, good practice guidelines, technical standards for aquaculture systems

8. Recommendations (cont.)
For industry
Liaise directly with regulators to achieve a common level of understanding about responsible aquaculture operations
Adopt an approach to the management of aquaculture systems that takes into account environmental impacts of the business in a broad manner
Adopt aquaculture production system types appropriate to the local environment
Adopt practices that show continual improvements in sustainability such as feed, health management, water
Adopt practices of self-monitoring and reporting, such as through Codes of Practice, or sector-specific certification schemes, and especially those that may be independently audited

9. Recommendations (cont.)
For further research or guidance
Improved monitoring techniques
Development and use of technology that will contribute towards reducing environmental impacts
More accurate predictive models for the fate of nutrients that originate from aquaculture sites and their cumulative effects, as well as effective ways of mitigating those impacts
Development of new, efficient and innovative water processing technology for land-based aquaculture systems (RAS)
Development of sustainable offshore aquaculture technology

10. Way forward
A draft of the report has been circulated to the participants of all the workshops in mid-September
The final draft version of the report has been submitted on the 11/11/2014 taking into account comments from the second Brussels workshop and the WG GES meeting (20-21 October)
Next steps to be decided

11. More information Circabc Under L - Other meetings and workshops
08 - Guidance on the development of sustainable aquaculture (MSFD/WFD)
Project's website