Background
The Strategic guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture¹ outline the steps required to drive the development of aquaculture in a manner that aligns with goals of the European Green Deal. Low trophic aquaculture, in particular the farming of low-trophic finfish (in ponds, lagoons, estuaries, reservoirs and wetlands) presents a viable option for a resilient, competitive and enviro-compatible aquaculture sector in the EU due to the favourable ecosystem conditions, markets for and historical experience in farming such species. Despite indications that these types of aquaculture can have minimal impact on the environment (and in some cases be beneficial to the environment), there are no defined measures for, and standardized techniques to assess the sustainability and eco-compatibility of these types of aquaculture.
Methodology & Aims
The present study aims to assess the environmental benefits of finfish farming in ponds and wetlands through a semi-quantitative analysis of the available scientific evidence and through engagement with key stakeholders. The study seeks to highlight if and how these types of aquaculture can and are being promoted across the Member States, as well as providing recommendations to overcome barriers. The study looks to provide an overview of how these types of aquaculture, and their positive environmental impacts, can be successfully promoted, with the aim that aquaculture in the EU can become a global reference for sustainability.
Results
The project highlights the contribution of pond and wetland farming to several ecosystem services across regulating, provisioning and cultural services. Opportunities for developing the sector (including greater recognition and valorisation of ecosystem services, improving climate change resilience and addressing social acceptance challenges) are discussed as potential solutions to challenges facing the sector. Several case studies draw on examples of good practices to illustrate potential pathways for sector development.
This study falls under the EU Commission project Assessing the environmental benefits of aquaculture and challenges and opportunities in promoting those benefits.
¹ https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_1554