Resolutions Voted by
the General Assembly of the F.E.A.P
(Venice, May 1998)
The responses that were communicated to the FEAP,
by the relevant services of the Commission of the EU,  follow each Resolution.

    Large Trout Production and Markets

      Use of Scientific data for Environmental Issues

     Welfare of Farmed Fish

RESOLUTION 1

LARGE RAINBOW TROUT PRODUCTION AND MARKETS
(Large Trout Commission)

The Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (F.E.A.P.) has noticed with some concern the dramatically increased supply of large Rainbow Trout on the European market during the early  months of 1998, particularly when compared to previous years. Large Rainbow Trout is acknowledged to be a similar product to and an alternative substitute for , competing within the same market.

The producers of large Rainbow Trout are usually made up of smaller companies and production units than salmon producers and this sector is thus more vulnerable and sensitive to rapid and dramatic changes of the market situation.

The present observation of increasing supplies of large Rainbow Trout may lead to a severe imbalance on the market with the inevitable effect of lower prices. For small companies, such  market disturbances can be fatal for their future, even if these only occur for a short time. These market observations for large Rainbow Trout are therefore, in all respects, unsatisfactory.

There is also an evident need to improve the supply of up-to-date information concerning the market situation and development for large Rainbow Trout.

For these reasons, the FEAP appeals to every party involved to assume their responsibilities and to do whatever is possible, at all levels, in order to secure a better balance between supply and  demand for large Rainbow Trout, a result which would be of mutual interest to everyone. The amount of large Rainbow Trout within the European market remains small compared to Atlantic  salmon, and there is no that the consumers or the processing industry would suffer any disadvantages from having a more stable market and price levels.

Response from the EU Commission:

Concerning the first resolution, I agree with the FEAP that a severe imbalance in the market, shown by a dramatic increase of production of large rainbow trout, will affect the prices and  consequently, could put at risk the future of some companies.Beyond the need to improve the follow-up of the market situation for trout, 1 think that it could be useful for the FEAP to decide a  term strategy for large rainbow trout, taking into account the future prospects of the competing salmon market

FEAP ACTION: A Working Group composed of nominees from the National Aquaculture Associations of Finland (Chairman), Norway, Sweden, Denmark, France and the United Kingdom has been formed and which, following specific  meetings & discussion, will report to the next FEAP General Assembly       

RESOLUTION 2

 THE USE AND APPRECIATION OF SCIENTIFIC DATA FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
(Environment Commission)

The Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (F.E.A.P.) recognises with satisfaction the general tendency towards a more consumer-focused production of items, including farmed  fish. The modern wants clean, safe products that are as natural as possible and that have been produced in an environmentally-friendly manner.

The consumer’s opinion of fish as a food is positive but there is still a lot of misunderstanding and, above all, a lack of public knowledge about the real environmental impact of fish farming.  Individuals, groups and organisations of different nationalities and interests express general disapproval of fish farming, claiming that this activity is harmful to the water . Such  arguments, which are often based on idealistic and emotional grounds, have difficulty in being supported by published scientific results and real facts.

The F.E.A.P. has been following, with increasing concern, the development of these attempts to discredit the aquaculture industry by the public provision of opinions that are based on incomplete  or misleading facts. The effects of such positions can be very damaging to a sector that provides healthy and safe food at a reasonable cost. Aquaculture also provides extremely important sources  of income and employment in rural and coastal areas throughout Europe.

It is beyond all doubt that the catches of wild fish cannot satisfy the continuous in demand  for fisheries products and it has been repeatedly demonstrated by both producers and scientists that commercial aquaculture can be conducted in a sustainable, environmentally-responsible fashion.

The F.E.A.P. therefore appeals to the relevant authorities, research institutions and National and International media to provide correct information concerning the sector. There  is much  scientific data available in addition to reliable, unbiased bodies which are willing to provide information about the relevant environmental aspects of aquaculture and its products. Improved  use of these sources will allow everyone to make their own informed, objective judgement.

Response from the EU Commission:

Concerning the second resolution, I can assure you that environmental protection and food quality  and safety are two areas of major concern for the Commission services. Both are integrated in all the other Union policies, and are always taken into consideration when shaping the development  of Union action, particularly in the structural area. I agree with you when you say that decision s concerning these subjects should be based on unbiased scientific evidence. Of course, when clear  scientific evidence is lacking, it is necessary to adopt a precautionary approach.

RESOLUTION 3

CONSIDERATIONS CONCERNING FARMED FISH WELFARE
(Fish Health Commission)

The Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (F.E.A.P.) reaffirms the importance which fish farmers attach to the duty of care of aquaculture . However, the F.E.A.P. urges that any  considerations of fish welfare, such as the project formulated by the Council of Europe, should take due consideration of the following aspects:

• - Actions should be based on proper scientific studies on fish farming
• - Account should be taken of the characteristics of individual species of farmed fish
• - Transport and handling facilities of fish should be viewed as being distinct from the production units

Moreover, due to the specialist nature of fish , the F.E.A.P. believes and recommends that the aquaculture producers themselves should be fully involved in consultations concerning the development of such projects

 Response from the EU Commission:

Concerning the third resolution, I think that your requests are reasonable and should be submitted to the secretariat of the Council of Europe. We have often seen in the past that the  Council of Europe is keen to consult interest groups when shaping its recommendations, as you request. Additionally, we have sent a copy of your letter, for information, to the Commission  services involved with the animal welfare issue, DG VI, unit B.II.2.

FEAP ACTION: A copy of the Resolutions and the correspondence from the EU Commission has been sent to the Council of Europe..