The guidelines identify common threats in aquaculture, including acute stressors which ‘can lead to injury, pain, distress, and suffering … (and) may bring long lasting effects’ and  chronic stressors which ‘in the long term can impair immune function, growth and reproductive function’. A framework and practical guidance are given for reducing suffering on Europe’s fish farms while sustainably producing a high quality product for consumers.

Now available in 23 European languages, the guidelines are applicable to all aquaculture species and systems and ready to be implemented by aquaculture operators and the relevant competent authorities.

They will also serve as an aid to Member States in implementing their national aquaculture plans aligned with the EU’s Strategic Aquaculture Guidelines (SAGs), which specifically refer to the Platform guidelines as a tool that Member States should use and develop.