Aquaculture Advisory Council urges Brussels to provide clear measures to ensure the safety of shellfish harvesting areas

The Aquacultre Advisory Council has once again urged the European Commission and Member States to take decisive action to protect the quality of waters where shellfish are produced-an essential resource for aquaculture and for maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.

This appeal comes at a critical juncture, as negotiations for the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive enter their final stage. The Advisory Council has emphasised the need for specific attention to shellfish production zones, as well as for supporting the identification and sharing of best practices.

In its latest recommendation, the Council outlines three key priorities: addressing the norovirus crisis, which recently impacted EU consumers following the consumption of contaminated oysters; finalising the negotiations for the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive; and ensuring that the Water Resilience Initiative explicitly includes transitional and coastal waters.

In response, the European Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting aquaculture waters with measures embedded in both the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and the Water Framework Directive. However, the Commission stressed the need for close collaboration with Member states and the pursuit of scientific and practical solutions.

Of particular concern is the norovirus contamination in shellfish, particularly oysters consumed raw. The Commission acknowledges this as priority issue but highlights the challenge posed by the absence of a harmonized detection method. Efforts are ongoing in collaboration with reference laboratories to develop effective solutions.

The Aquaculture Advisory Council insists that the European Commission must provide clear guidance to Member States to ensure the effective transposition and implementation of the Directive, safeguarding the quality of shellfish waters.

Additionally, the Council reiterates the importance of advancing the Water Resilience Initiative and including transitional and coastal waters within its scope. These waters are vital for maintaining the health of shellfish and ensuring the competitiveness of the European aquaculture sector.