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3.1.3 Understand the EU's strategic guidelines for aquaculture (2021-2030)

The EU Strategic Guidelines for Aquaculture (2021–2030), developed by the European Commission, provide a coordinated framework to support the development of a sustainable, competitive, and resilient aquaculture sector across EU Member States. They are designed to guide national policies while contributing to broader EU priorities such as the European Green Deal, with a strong focus on environmentally responsible food production, economic growth, and job creation in coastal and rural regions.

The overall vision of the guidelines is to establish an aquaculture sector that balances environmental, economic, and social objectives. This means developing production systems that minimise environmental impact while remaining economically viable and globally competitive. At the same time, the sector should be transparent and socially accepted by consumers and communities, with strong emphasis placed on innovation, research, and knowledge to support long-term sustainability.

The guidelines are built around four core priorities that shape the future direction of EU aquaculture.

The first priority focuses on improving competitiveness and resilience by enhancing efficiency, simplifying administrative procedures, and ensuring better access to suitable sites and water resources.

The second priority supports the green transition, aiming to reduce environmental impacts, promote low-carbon and resource-efficient practices, and strengthen the sector’s ability to adapt to climate change.

The third priority addresses social acceptance and consumer confidence by encouraging transparency, improving product information and labelling, and maintaining high standards in areas such as food safety and animal welfare.

The fourth priority highlights the importance of knowledge, innovation, and digitalisation, promoting investment in research, new technologies, data systems, and workforce skills to drive future growth.

To support these priorities, the guidelines identify a range of key action areas that Member States are encouraged to address. These include improving access to space through marine spatial planning, simplifying regulatory and licensing procedures, and enhancing environmental performance across aquaculture operations. Additional actions focus on strengthening animal health and welfare, supporting market development and value chains, increasing public awareness and communication, and advancing innovation through better data collection, research, and technological development.

The guidelines are not legally binding but act as a strategic framework to coordinate action across the EU.

Member States are expected to translate these objectives into national policies by developing or updating their National Aquaculture Plans.

Implementation is supported through EU funding mechanisms, particularly the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, which provides financial assistance for sustainable development, innovation, and sector growth.

Overall, the EU Strategic Guidelines for Aquaculture (2021–2030) provide a comprehensive roadmap for developing a modern aquaculture sector that balances growth with sustainability. By focusing on competitiveness, environmental responsibility, social acceptance, and innovation, the guidelines aim to ensure the long- term viability and positive contribution of aquaculture within the European Union.