News Digest n.9 / 2022
Scots develop online warning system for harmful marine events
Scottish seafood producers are taking advantage of a new early warning system that helps identify and share data on harmful marine organisms near the coast - helping the aquaculture industries keep ahead of climate pressures.
Following the adoption of the Partnership Agreement 2021-2027 with Italy, the Commission has adopted the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund of the preceding (EMFAF) Programme for Italy, to implement the EU common fisheries policy (CFP) and EU policy priorities outlined in the European Green Deal. The programme will support, among others things: Sustainable fisheries, Sustainable aquaculture, Sustainable blue economy, International Ocean Governance. The programme will support the resilience of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, green transition of these sectors and digital transition of the Italian fisheries.
How will Norway’s proposed 40% aquaculture tax impact the industry?
Substantial scale of production has seen Norway experience sizeable financial benefits, producing 2.27 million tonnes of fisheries and aquaculture products in 2020 for a total of $10bn. In addition to these economic benefits, the aquaculture industry in Norway supports around 10,000 employees. The resource rent tax on aquaculture is planned to come into effect on 1 January 2023– a time that will represent a new year for the Norwegian aquaculture industry and an array of new financial challenges. The 40% aquaculture tax will cover the production of salmon, trout, and rainbow trout, some of Norway’s most lucrative exports.
Latvia will receive €4.6 billion in Cohesion Policy funding between 2021-2027 to support economic and territorial cohesion, and social fairness. Latvia will invest the EU funds in the green and digital transitions, in boosting innovation in the economy, and in healthcare and social services. The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund's (EMFAF) allocation of €135 million will increase the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, promote innovation, protect biodiversity, foster a sustainable blue economy and ensure a wellbeing in coastal communities.
The link between trout genetics and sustainability
Researchers from France's INRAE institute are looking back on 20 years of genetic research in rainbow trout and the sustainability gains genetics tech and breeding have brought to the aquaculture sector. This study shows that selective breeding and the development of sustainable feeds are two important levers for reducing the environmental impact of farmed fish production and accelerating the transition to a more sustainable aquaculture.
Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management Needed to Help Marine Life Thrive in Northeast Atlantic Ocean
Recent science shows that commercial fishing has had the largest footprint of any human activity on the marine environment over the past 50 years. The solution is an approach called ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM). EBFM accounts for the effects of fishing on a range of species—not just the one targeted—and their habitats, as well as the impacts of environmental changes on fish populations and fisheries. Decision makers should build on successes to meet both sustainability and environmental commitments.
