Support Measures

Introduce and improve standardized licensing processes for initiation, operation and decommissioning on municipal level. Permits for aquaculture installations should take into account the local conditions Decommissioning plans should be incorporated at the beginning in the licensing process (in advance of a decommissioning scheme). Funds for an early integration should be put aside. Before getting a license it is necessary to guarantee to the responsible municipal authority that the company will remove the infrastructure. Updated documentation of Best Available Technologies (BAT) could also support the reduction of debris since practicioners are supporting derectly the responsible authority which may not always have the necessary experience and knowledge. Public authorities need to use their licensing powers at all levels of the aquaculture farming process. Include standardised licensing processes in national and/or transnational aquaculture action plans and define circular design targets. Flexibility of the licensing processes would enable adjustments of certain requirements for an aquaculture installation during the operational phase, e.g. more durable materials on the market. Waste management authorities should be invovled in the aquaculture farm licence application process to inform about and foster prevention and reduction measures. Reporting of incidents at sea involving accidental losses of aquaculture gear and infrastructure should be compulsory and should be part of the permits. Addressees are the coastguard and the managing authrority responsible for approving the aquacutlrue farm. Alternative material research should include tests and analyses on substances that were used prior to plastics, e.g. wood for mussel stoppers or for fish transport. Raise efforts to find and promote alternatives to cable ties, like more resistant and durable fixing systems. Aquaculture facilities have changed the design of equipment already to prevent losses. The motivation is the own cost to replace it. The motivation would be stronger if there were additional incentives from the government. Good initiatives, research and innovation should be more widely supported to aid sustainable and innovative developments during the initiation, development and operation of the farms. Good initiatives, research and innovation should be more widely supported. Aquaculture materials and gear should be better labelled including specification of quality standards to help farmers make informed choices when purchasing working materials.