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ABSTRACT

The technical consultation on sustainable aquaculture practices, jointly organized by the GFCM and the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP), was held in Athens, Greece, on 11–12 February 2026. The consultation brought together aquaculture producers, GFCM Technical Advisory Groups (TAG on Governance and Responsible Investment in Aquaculture, TAG on Aquatic Animal Health and Biosecurity, TAG on Spatial Planning for Aquaculture, TAG on Value Chain and Market Access, TAG on Innovation and Technology) and other key stakeholders to strengthen structured dialogue and support the development of operational, regionally relevant guidance for sustainable aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Discussions addressed governance and responsible investment, spatial planning and environmental management, aquatic animal health and welfare, restorative aquaculture, value chain efficiency and food loss reduction, climate change, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, and social dimensions including women and youth. The consultation confirmed the need for integrated approaches that balance environmental sustainability, economic viability and social responsibility, and highlighted the importance of continued engagement with producers to ensure that regional guidance is practical, proportionate and implementable.