Assessment of the ecosystem services of bivalve mollusc farming and fish farming in ponds and wetlands, and challenges and opportunities in promoting the benefits

To address the stagnation in European aquaculture production (including that of bivalves and pond/wetland aquaculture), the European Commission (EC) adopted the latest version of the Strategic guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture. The guidelines offer a common vision for the Commission, Member States and stakeholders to develop the sector in a way that contributes directly to the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy. The guidelines aim to drive the development of the EU aquaculture sector to become more competitive and resilient and improve its environmental and climate performance. A promising pathway for development is to focus efforts on the low-trophic aquaculture sector, which includes marine bivalve aquaculture and fish farming in ponds and wetlands (including reservoirs, lagoons and estuaries)