European aquaculture group criticises new Ocean Pact for "glaring omission"

The Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) has criticised the European Commission’s new European Ocean Pact, stating that while it welcomes parts of the initiative unveiled on June 5, the "glaring omission" of freshwater aquaculture reveals a policy framework that is, "not fit for purpose".

FEAP argued that by sidelining the freshwater sector, which includes major species like rainbow trout and carp, the commission is perpetuating a legal and institutional misalignment that has caused the EU’s aquaculture sector to stagnate for 25 years. The federation reiterated its long-standing call for a dedicated common aquaculture policy.

Despite the criticism, the industry group acknowledged several positive elements in the Ocean Pact. These include the recognition of aquaculture’s contribution to food security, support for increased investment, and a proposed EU-wide campaign promoting aquatic food.

Beyond the main omission, FEAP also noted that the pact lacks concrete measures to reduce the administrative burden on the industry. It also called for any new guidance on managing farmed fish predators like the great cormorant to have a pan-European scope and for the new "Ocean Act" to include compulsory food production targets for member states.