EIFAAC 32 emphasises the needs for more data collection in inland fisheries and for reducing administrative and regulatory barriers for aquaculture development.

The European Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Advisory Commission (EIFAAC) concluded its 32^nd Session in Pula, Croatia, on Friday (11 October).

The Session was attended by 50 participants, including delegates from 27 EIFAAC Member States and the European Union.  

EIFAAC adopted two new Resolutions: 1) On inland fisheries statistics and information for management, and 2) On creating an enabling environment for freshwater aquaculture development.

These Resolutions address the need for data collection, monitoring, information systems and increasing capacity to better inform inland fisheries management and conservation, and the concern raised by the Commission about the stagnation of freshwater aquaculture production in the EIFAAC competence area over the last decades

Four Resolutions and one Recommendation from EIFAAC 31 were amended by the Session and also adopted: 1) On EIFAAC Resolutions, Recommendations and Advisory Notes; 2) On the Code of Conduct for Recreational Fisheries and Invasive Alien Species; 3) On the protection of vulnerable and endangered fish species from unsustainable predation from cormorants; 4) On small-scale fisheries and aquaculture; and 5) On the Code of Practice for Recreational Fisheries.

The Commission also adopted the amended EIFAAC Rules of Procedure, which facilitates short-term advice by the Commission to its members and other stakeholders.

The Commission reviewed and endorsed the recommendations from the EIFAAC international symposium on “Building a sustainable future for inland fisheries and aquaculture in a time of multiple stressors”, held in Pula, Croatia, from 7 to 9 October 2024. The well-organized Symposium was attended by 120 scientists and managers from 24 countries. The Commission also expressed support to the declaration from the Panel discussion on the Future of European Freshwater Aquaculture, held on 8 October.

Finally, the Commission discussed and endorsed the EIFAAC work programme 2025 - 2026 and elected Mr Cathal Gallagher (Ireland) as new Chairperson of EIFAAC. Mr Gallagher thanked the outgoing chairperson, Mr Petri Heinimaa (Finland), for a successful term and good and effective collaboration with all EIFAAC Members.

Mr Gallagher said that he aims to “further strengthen EIFAAC to make full use of its network potential, support the development of joint projects by EIFAAC Members, and generate the scientific advice that fisheries and aquaculture managers in the region are waiting for”.  

The Session and Symposium were supported by the host organizations, the University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Croatia.