European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to Help Boost Aquaculture

CZECH REPUBLIC - EU Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki visited the Czech Republic
on 4 and 5 October. She met the Czech Minister of Agriculture Mr Petr Bendl, leading representatives
of Czech Republic authorities and scientists.Commissioner Damanaki and Minister Bendl adressed
the need to unleash the growth potential of European aquaculture and the role that the future
European Maritime and Fisheries Fund will play in this respect. 

Ms Damanaki visited aquaculture farms and got first hand experience of some innovative freshwater
aquaculture projects currently running in Southern Bohemia.

In meetings with stakeholders involved in the aquaculture sector, Commissioner Damanaki put
emphasis on how a reformed Common Fisheries Policy can give impetus to the sustainable
growth of European aquaculture through an EU coordinated approach based on strategic guidelines,
common priorities and exchange of best practices, stimulating innovation whilst ensuring
maintenance of existing freshwater ponds also to preserve their crucial role as regards landscape
and biodiversity. The Commissioner also had meetings with local and regional authorities and
representatives of the local community.