EU Vision 2040: a step towards protection for aquatic animals

The EU Vision for Fisheries and Aquaculture towards 2040 includes a commitment to develop the EU framework for the welfare of farmed aquatic animals. This is a significant step towards providing protection for billions of aquatic animals farmed in the EU, including fish and invertebrates. The Vision aims to improve environmental performance and animal welfare standards in aquaculture, supporting the production of low-trophic species to reduce reliance on intensive systems.

However, gaps remain in the Vision, such as the lack of a timeline for developing the welfare framework and a commitment to binding legislation. There is a need for strong welfare and sustainability safeguards to prevent further pressure on wild fish stocks and marine ecosystems. Moving forward, there is a call for binding, science-based standards that reflect the needs of different species across the full production cycle to ensure the welfare of farmed aquatic animals in the EU.