Future EU environmental rule threatens to exclude essential aquaculture farm equipment form funding

Future environmental conditions governing access to European Union funding could prevent some essential aquaculture farm equipment from receiving financial support. The risk arises from the common guidance that the European Commission could adopt before 1 January 2027 on applying the ‘Do No Significant Harm’ principle – DNSH – to the 2028 – 2034 Multiannual Financial Framework.

The Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) considers this guidance crucial to the sector’s future and is calling for tailored exemptions. Without them, the new conditions could restrict funding for modernising facilities, improving biosecurity and reducing emissions. FEAP has therefore asked the Commission to ensure that auxiliary generators, workboats and farm vehicles are not excluded under rules designed for other activities.

The Commission’s draft does not classify aquaculture as harmful overall, but it could exclude several fossil-fuel-powered investments from European funding, including equipment and transport essential to daily farm operations.

Emergency generators are particular concern. At fish farm, they maintain oxygenation, water circulation and treatment system. A power cut can threaten fish survival within minutes. Although the draft exempts certain essential services and agricultural and forestry activities, it does not explicitly mention aquaculture – an omission FEAP wants corrected.

FEAP is also seeking exemptions for off-road vehicles used on farms in rural or difficult-to-access locations and for vessels required in marine aquaculture. Feed barges, service vessels and fish-transport boats still rely mainly on conventional engines, as electric, hybrid and zero-emission alternatives are not yet viable for every distance, load or operating condition. Excluding them could therefore disrupt farm operations.

The draft also risks misclassifying aquaculture equipment. Its reference ot investments in ‘fishing vessels and fishing gear’ could be applied mistakenly to nets, cages, mooring systems and other equipment used specifically in aquaculture. FEAP is asking the rules to distinguish clearly between the two activities.

The federation further wants confirmation that maintaining, replacing or modernising existing authorised water intakes at flow-through facilities will not be treated as constructing new artificial barriers in rivers. These clarifications are needed to ensure that the environmental rule does not penalise investments essential to the sector’s continuity and transition.