OpenLobby.EU
Explore

European Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Platform

EATiP

EATIP is the European Technology Platform addressing research & innovation priorities for the sustainable development of European aquaculture.

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Costas Kadis (Commissioner) and

3 Dec 2025 · Exchange of views around Oceans Pact, Vision for the Future of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Europe by 2040 and evaluation and possible revision of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP)

Response to European Research Area (ERA) Act

10 Sept 2025

The European Aquaculture Technology & Innovation Platform (EATiP) thanks the European Commission for the opportunity to provide comment in a Call for Evidence concerning the European Research Area (ERA) Act. EATiP is a not for profit multi actor (quadruple helix) platform supporting and promoting technology, research and innovation that develops a sustainable European aquaculture sector. EATiP membership comprise industry, research & academia, NGO & civil society groups and including national and regional mirror platforms has an organisational reach of c. 850 aquaculture stakeholders. EATiP: Welcomes the creation of a European Research Area. Supports those actions which strengthen the capacity and performance of the EU research and innovation ecosystem, drive innovation and contribute to closing the long-standing innovation gap. Encourages actions which support mobility and freedom of movement, both in terms of researchers but also of knowledge and research outputs. The EU is seen as a global leader in terms of research & innovation for the aquaculture sector and in the production of aquatic foods. To that extent, we encourage consideration to be given to the global context of any research area, & welcome the acknowledgement in the Call for Evidence that there is a strategic objective for the EU to be global destination for academic excellence. Noting the success and enviable international reputation of the European Framework research programmes, we encourage any ERA to extend to all those countries currently operating with the Framework Programme (currently Horizon Europe) including those non-EU countries in the EEA, alongside associated countries including the United Kingdom, Turkey & other Black Sea, Atlantic, Mediterranean nations (linking to European sea-basins) and the wider international community. We urge specific consideration to be given to those involved in aquaculture research being undertaken in south Asia and China, global leading nations in terms of aquaculture production. EATiP supports all exercises that contribute and assist transnational research access, supporting such research networks as the AQUAEXCEL and now AQUASERV programmes. We further support strengthening open science measures, particularly with regard to reuse of publicly funded R&I results and access to data for research and innovation purposes and driving forward digitalisation within the bioeconomy. In addition to a single research area, consideration should be given to regional imbalances within any ERA, including in the provision of infrastructure, funding and opportunity. We encourage the promotion of inter-regional innovation and technology transfer, including research and innovation transfer to industry and end-users. Careful consideration is required in the alignment between national funding priorities and strategic EU objectives, which may prove to be far from aligned or complimentary. National Member State (or associated) investment in research and innovation should be aligned, and mapping should be undertaken to consider what level of private sector investment is being allocated to research and innovation across different sectors. European Technology (& Innovation) Platforms & the multi actor approach offer a pathway to improve on cooperation & collaboration between higher education institutions, research bodies & business and we encourage greater emphasis on and support for these important European platforms. Through the development of end user / industry / citizen focussed strategic research and innovation agendas (SRIAs), research & innovation actions & funding might be better translated into innovation transfer and economic development, contributing to European security and resilience. EATiP looks forward to further opportunities for comment on the development of the European Research Area Act, in turn contributing to maintaining the global lead and competitive advantage of European led aquaculture research.
Read full response

Response to Towards a Circular, Regenerative and Competitive Bioeconomy

23 Jun 2025

The European Aquaculture Technology & Innovation Platform (EATiP) thanks the European Commission for the opportunity to provide comment in a Call for Evidence towards a Circular, Regenerative & Competitive Bioeconomy. EATiP is a not for profit multi actor platform considering & promoting technology, research & innovation that supports a sustainable European aquaculture sector. EATiP membership comprise industry, research & academia, NGO & civil society groups & including national & regional mirror platforms has an organisational reach of c. 850 aquaculture stakeholders. Circular, regenerative & competitive bioeconomy is central to the future development of the European aquaculture sector. The farming of finfish, molluscs & algae takes place across all European aquatic ecosystems, freshwater, marine & brackish waters, & in every EU member state. In many EU members states, aquaculture production represents centuries old tradition & is intrinsically linked to land & water use alongside rural culture & bioeconomy. The support for the development of European aquaculture production is expressed in multiple key EU policy documents, not least the new EU Ocean Pact, the Strategic Guidelines for a Sustainable European Aquaculture, Food 2030 Strategy & Food Pathways as well as the Vision for Agriculture & Food. Aquaculture is not expressly referenced in this Call for Evidence reference document & this is an oversight. Coordinated policy & sectoral alignment across the bioeconomy is vital, particular given steps to include aquaculture in parallel initiatives e.g. the CBE-JU Primary Producers Working Group. Aquaculture must be considered in all aspects of any strategy development. Aquatic foods represent the most traded food commodity, with the EU importing c. 70% of seafood consumed, yet the EU accounts for less than 2% of global aquaculture production. Boosting EU aquaculture production should be an objective within any European bioeconomy strategy. Indeed, EU aquaculture production is stagnating & in certain sectors declining & steps are required to ensure that a competitive bioeconomy includes measures to support aquaculture production. Initiatives addressing circularity & bio-based solutions must consider profitability & include valorisation of side streams, waste & byproducts for producers. Consideration of the bioeonomy, alongside finance & investments models, must make provision for micro & SME businesses, including acknowledging barriers to investment & capital expenditure. Support should also be geared towards those who have least impact - including, for example, producers who remove excess nutrients or flood & drought mitigation efforts (e.g. through wetlands & pond network systems) & who contribute positively to an aquatic agro ecology balance. The aquaculture industry demonstrates significant innovation & knowledge transfer in relation to circularity. In addition to traditional production systems, RAS (recirculating water) systems allow for a significant increase in production of aquatic foods, with a highly efficient use of water. RAS systems also ensure minimal environmental impact, allowing for the removal of excess nutrients & ensuring maximum biosecurity & containment. Allowing for water re-use / circularity whilst at the same time providing lower carbon food / protein production. Other technologies are being implemented to assist in the removal of waste from open farming systems whilst certain aquaculture production (shellfish, algae) may filter & improve the aquatic environment. Valorisation of byproducts is also in active development & expansion. A supportive & adaptive regulatory framework is required to allow potential new technologies & practices to be implemented by producers & others in the value chain. Any research & innovation actions must be designed with primary producers at the centre, including both in call design & final knowledge & innovation transfer.
Read full response

Response to EU Life sciences strategy

15 Apr 2025

The European Aquaculture Technology & Innovation Platform (EATiP) thanks the European Commission for the opportunity to provide comment in a Call for Evidence concerning a strategy for European Life Sciences EATiP is a not for profit multi actor platform considering and promoting technology, research and innovation that supports a sustainable European aquaculture sector. EATiP membership comprise industry, research & academia, NGO & civil society groups and including national and regional mirror platforms has an organisational reach of c. 850 aquaculture stakeholders. Aquaculture will become an increasingly important actor in a number of life sciences sectors most especially human and aquatic animal health, food and feed. The potential for aquaculture is frequently overlooked, falling in a gap between agriculture production and traditional capture fisheries. Furthermore, general understanding of aquaculture is poor, without due regard to the enormous range and scope of the sector, including with regard to a role not only in human diets, but in the provision of feeds, fertilisers, the role of micro & macro algae, shellfish and molluscs and, specifically, the application of aquaculture products and derivatives in within the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors. Aquaculture plays a significant role in the development of life sciences in Europe, contributing to various aspects of sustainability, food security, and scientific research. Aquaculture is a key component of sustainable food production, the EU's Blue Economy strategy and the European Green Deal. It provides a sustainable source of seafood, reducing the pressure on wild fish stocks and contributing to food security Aquaculture drives advancements in biotechnology, genetics, and environmental sciences. Innovations in aquaculture techniques and technologies help improve fish health, enhance breeding programs, and develop sustainable feed alternatives Aquaculture supports local economies, particularly in coastal and rural areas. It creates jobs and stimulates economic growth through the production and processing of aquatic organisms Aquaculture products are often used to create functional foods, whilst aquaculture provides a rich source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients are vital for maintaining cardiovascular health, supporting cognitive development, and preventing chronic diseases. Seafood is known for its beneficial lipid composition, which includes long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids like DHA and EPA, known for their health-promoting properties Responsible aquaculture practices can ensure the production of safe and healthy seafood while minimizing environmental impacts. This includes using sustainable feed, maintaining water quality, and reducing the use of antibiotics Aquatic organisms, such as fish, algae, and shellfish, are rich in bioactive compounds like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and peptides. These compounds are used in nutraceuticals to promote health and prevent diseases. Marine organisms are a valuable source of novel compounds for pharmaceutical development. For example, certain marine bacteria and fungi produce antibiotics, while marine sponges and corals have been found to contain compounds with anti-carcinogenic properties We urge any future consideration of a European Life Sciences strategy to place due emphasis on the role of aquaculture, including for the requirement to coordinate across numerous thematic policy and regulatory areas (food, feed, agriculture & fisheries, health, marine & freshwater resources) and for the need to support significant expansion in scientific research & innovation effort with regard to maximising the potential benefits of aquatic animals and plants, in the widest sense.
Read full response

Response to European Water Resilience Strategy

4 Mar 2025

The European Aquaculture Technology & Innovation Platform (EATiP) thanks the European Commission for the opportunity to provide comment in a Call for Evidence concerning the Water Resilience Strategy. EATiP is a not for profit multi actor platform considering and promoting technology, research and innovation that supports a sustainable European aquaculture sector. EATiP membership comprise industry, research & academia, NGO & civil society groups and including national and regional mirror platforms has an organisational reach of c. 850 aquaculture stakeholders. The three specific objectives of the strategy are of key importance to aquaculture producers, most especially those in freshwater and estuarial sites. We welcome any steps to restore and protect the water cycle. Aquaculture production is dependent upon a constant, secure, reliable supply of sufficient water, of the highest quality, including at times of drought or flood. Aquaculture production is by nature inextricably linked to the aquatic environment it operates within. As the medium of production, essestial for aquatic animal life, health and welfare, the important attached to water supply and quality cannot be overstated. We need to ensure clean and affordable water (based on consumptive use and not simply abstraction) and maintain water of the highest quality, free of pollution and disease. Maintaining biosecurity is essential for aquaculture production and for healthy and nutritious aquatic foods, including aquatic plants. Promoting a competitive EU water industry that is water-wise and supports a circular bio-economy is crucial. In addition to important food production, freshwater aquaculture supports and provides numerous ecosystem services, providing important habitats and allowing for habitat conservation in addition to enhancing European biodiversity. Of particular importance are the extensive freshwater pond systems of central and eastern Europe, not only in terms of environmental significance but also as a culture and social resource. The five action areas identified are important. Governance and implementation must include all stakeholders, with equitable and fair treatment of different stakeholder groups, considering their various needs and specificities. Food production must be given due weighting, alongside those sectors that need constant water supply. Consideration of infrastructure, alongside finance and investments models, must make provision for micro and SME businesses, including acknowledging barriers to investment and capital expenditure. Finance should also be geared towards those who use least (i.e. non consumptive) and those who provide services to water and the aquatic environment -including, for example, removal of excess nutrients or flood & drought mitigation efforts (e.g. through wetlands and pond network systems). The aquaculture industry demonstrates significant innovation and knowledge transfer in relation to efficient water management. In addition to traditional production systems, RAS (recirculating water) systems allow for a significant increase in production of aquatic foods, at a highly efficient use of water. RAS systems also ensure minimal environmental impact, allowing for the removal of excess nutrients and ensuring maximum biosecurity and containment. Allowing for water re-use / circularity whilst at the same time providing lower carbon food / protein production. We welcome that the initiative will build on delivering other Commission priorities, including the recently announced Vision for Agriculture and Food, Food 2030, Circular Economy and the European Oceans Pact. Aquaculture has a key role to play in the water-energy-food-ecosystems nexus and must be supported at a strategic policy level.
Read full response

Response to The European Oceans Pact

16 Feb 2025

The European Aquaculture Technology & Innovation Platform (EATiP) thanks the European Commission for the opportunity to provide comment in a Call for Evidence concerning the European Ocean Pact. EATiP is a not for profit multi actor platform considering and promoting technology, research and innovation that supports a sustainable European aquaculture sector. EATiP membership comprise industry, research & academia, NGO & civil society groups and including national and regional mirror platforms has an organisational reach of c. 850 aquaculture stakeholders. EATiP: Welcomes the importance now being attached to our oceans and waters at the European level. Urges any European Ocean policy to be science and research based, with a strategic research agenda identified to address those areas where there is insufficient knowledge or a requirement for further research. Recognises the broad & diverse nature of ocean stakeholders, and calls for all sectors to be treated equitably & with fairness. Highlights the key role aquatic resources have in providing healthy & sustainable food to European citizens. 71% of the Earths surface is covered by bodies of water, yet only 2% of the worlds per capita food consumption originates from the sea. With population growth forecasts to 10 billion by 2050, we will require the production of 56% more food. With 50% of vegetated land now allocated to agriculture, aquatic resources will be essential to feed the global population. Further highlights that whilst over 50% of the worlds aquatic foods now come from aquaculture, EU members states account for less that 2% of global aquaculture production, despite Europe being the largest global seafood market. European aquaculture will be as essential component of any future ocean pact, with the farming of algae, shellfish, molluscs and finfish all playing an essential role in feeding the European population. Furthermore, aquaculture production will prove an essential role in supplying animal feeds and fertilisers (including through the farming of lower trophic species of shellfish and algae) and in the production of essential nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical products. Any Ocean Pact must support the production of aquatic foods across all trophic levels and production systems. Any Ocean Pact must be developed to complement European terrestrial environmental ambitions. The Blue / Green interface is essential and both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are inextricably linked. Any Ocean Pact must address the relationship of aquatic / agro-ecology and the potential for the aquatic ecosystem to play a full part in arriving at European Green Deal ambitions. The maintenance of a healthy aquatic ecosystem is essential, particularly with so many research and knowledge gaps. The role of aquaculture in the provision of eco-system services and nature-based solutions, whilst providing a source of food and feeds in addition to such services as carbon sequestration and habitat restoration must be duly considered. The use of the ocean by different stakeholder groups must be recognised. The principles of fair and just marine spatial planning should be applied, fully integrating the priorities of food production alongside such other sectors as energy, shipping and tourism. The principles of marine multi use spatial allocation must be considered and optimised. EATiP recommends the continuing development and refinement of the DTO & the maximum exploitation of satellite, data and information technologies and systems. European waters play an important social, economic and cultural role, underpinning communities and livelihoods. Any Ocean Pact must recognise the social, economic and community aspects of European citizens and support and promote coastal communities and life. EATiP looks forward to further opportunities for engagement in the development of an Ocean Pact that safeguards both our oceans and the interests, lives and diets of European citizens.
Read full response

Response to Green Recovery for the Blue Economy (tentative)

7 Dec 2020

Aquaculture needs to be recognised as an integrated part of the Blue Economy. Being neither an emerging sector, such as blue biotechnology, offshore wind energy or bioprospecting, nor a traditional one, such as fisheries or maritime transport, aquaculture is often being overlooked in marine spatial planning or blue economy development issues. It is nevertheless the sector that is expected to deliver a six-fold of aquatic food and feed products by 2050. When addressing the Blue Economy in any policy context it is therefore of high importance that aquaculture is considered at the same level as other sea-based activities. This includes all types of production systems, both on-land, in the coastal zone and in more exposed areas. Until such commitment is shown, Europe will struggle to match the global trends in aquaculture growth and fulfill EC policy ambitions for aquaculture production. The EATiP feedback on the open consultation (as attached) provides a set of suggested actions and considerations on how to tackle the green recovery challenges for the Blue Economy. EATiP is acting on behalf of its membership, consisting of aquaculture businesses, universities, research organisations, producer and research associations, NGO’s. See http://eatip.eu/?page_id=42
Read full response

Meeting with Charlina Vitcheva (Director-General Maritime Affairs and Fisheries)

8 Sept 2020 · Joint meeting with DG RTD: Dialogue on aquaculture innovation