The guidelines explain how best to ensure that activities related to aquaculture are compatible with EU nature legislation and Natura 2000 provisions in particular. They emphasize the significance of the aquaculture sector for food production, and highlight the key role of the Natura 2000 network in delivering the objectives of EU Biodiversity policy. The guidelines focus on the implementation of the provisions on appropriate assessment under the Habitats Directive.

For more information:

• Press release IP/12/1313
• Guidance document on aquaculture and Natura 2000:
  http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/Aqua-N2000%20guide.pdf
• EU nature and biodiversity policy:
  http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/index_en.htm
• More information about recent policy developments in the aquaculture sector:
  http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/aquaculture/index_en.htm