Public Consultation – National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development 2030

This National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development 2030 (NSPSA) is the successor plan to that developed in 2015 for the period up to 2020.  It has been developed using a ‘food systems’ approach in line with Food Vision 2030.  The NSPSA overlaps with the EU’s new ‘Strategic guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture for the period 2021 to 2030’, as well as the programming period (2021 to 2027) of the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). As such, this plan provides the strategic vision and framework for funding under EMFAF, as well as other EU and national initiatives.

In line with EU and national policy objectives, sustainable aquaculture in Ireland can play an important role in delivering public goods. These public goods include: (i) nutritious and healthy seafood with a limited environmental footprint; (ii) economic development and job opportunities for coastal and rural communities; (iii) reducing pollution; (iv) preserving ecosystems and biodiversity; and (v) contributing to the fight against climate change.

The vision for Irish aquaculture in 2030 reflects the common direction set out in the EU’s strategic guidelines mentioned above. It visualises a sustainable, profitable, competitive, and market-focused aquaculture industry making the maximum long-term economic and social contribution to coastal communities and Ireland as a whole, while optimising environmental performance and supporting the natural capital upon which it depends. The sector maintains a competitive edge through low-impact production whilst building commercial resilience through technical innovation and diversification. This in turn supports a more diverse consumer and market base aligned to increased recognition of Irish aquaculture’s growing status as a key provider of sustainable, low carbon and healthy food.

The NSPSA is accompanied by a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and an Appropriate Assessment (AA) as per the requirements of the EU SEA and Habitats Directives.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is inviting submissions from stakeholders on the draft NSPSA and its SEA Environmental Report and Natura Impact Statement to inform the completion and adoption of the plan.

 

HOW TO RESPOND

LINK TO DOCUMENT

gov.ie – Public consultation on the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development, 2030 (www.gov.ie)

 

LINK TO CONSULTATION QUESTIONNAIRE

https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/IrelandNSPSA

 

Please email NSPA@agriculture.gov.ie should you have any queries.