1. Sustainable Aquaculture Joint guidance document on MSFD and WFD
DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries & DG Environment

2. Background Union Strategic Guidelines - COM(2013)229
Reduce administrative burdens
Facilitate access to water and space
Improve competitiveness
Exploit competitive advantages – "level playing field"

3. Guidance documents on Aquaculture
Guidelines on the integration of aquaculture in Natura2000 were published in 2012 to ensure compliance with requirements of Birds/Habitats Directives
By Q Commission intends to prepare guidance documents addressing the requirements of the WFD and the MSFD in relation to aquaculture

4. Issues to be covered
Needs of the aquaculture sector: how the MSFD and WFD help ensuring the precondition for aquaculture production
Recommendations for national and local authorities on the concrete implementation of the MSFD and WFD: how to achieve good water quality while creating a positive environment for aquaculture development
Obligations for aquaculture producers arising specifically from MSFD, WFD and other relevant environmental legislation: specific obligations, interactions between different pieces of legislation, ways of reducing aquaculture's impacts
Synergies between environmental protection and aquaculture production: common needs, mutual benefits, best practices; increasing social acceptance of sustainable aquaculture

5. Process
The guidelines / guidance should build on, complement and be compatible with the existing guidance on aquaculture and Natura 2000
They will not be of legally binding nature, will not make new rules, but will provide further guidance on the application of those that already exist
The guidelines will be based on work done under a support contract (work starting in October 2013) and on contributions during workshops in late 2013 and 1st half 2014, organised with national authorities, experts, aquaculture associations and NGOs
Final draft to be presented to MSCG and SCG

6. Thank you for your attention!