This Communication reviews the Commission’s Strategic Guidelines for the sustainable development of EU aquaculture adopted in 2013.

The new guidelines respond to calls in the Farm to Fork strategy to accelerate the transition to a sustainable EU food system, recognising the potential of sustainable aquaculture to provide food and feed with a low carbon footprint.

Sustainable aquaculture in the EU can play an important role in delivering public goods. These public goods include: (i) nutritious and healthy food with a limited environmental footprint; (ii) economic development and job opportunities for coastal and rural communities; (iii) reducing pollution; (iv) preserving ecosystems and biodiversity; and (v) contributing to the fight against climate change.

The guidelines have the following objectives:

• building resilience and competitiveness of the EU aquaculture sector
• ensuring the participation of the EU aquaculture sector in the green transition
• fostering social acceptance and improved consumer information on EU aquaculture activities and products
• increasing knowledge and innovation in the EU aquaculture sector

The strategic guidelines identify 13 areas where further work is needed to promote the sustainability, competitiveness and resilience of EU aquaculture.