Multi-year National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture Development in Greece, 2014-2020.

The Directorate of Aquaculture and Inland Waters of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, following close cooperation with the relevant public services, research institutes and industry operators, drafted the Multi-year National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture Development in Greece, 2014-2020.
The research carried out in the above research centers on aquaculture is not only about the basic but focuses on applied research which aims at: diversification of production with the introduction of new fish species; improving and developing new breeding methodologies and techniques; Improving nutritional performance of farmed species; the development of alternative raw materials for fish feed production; improving the quality of the product produced; the prevention and management of fish diseases; genetic improvement of farmed species; Exploration of environmental impacts; identifying indicators for assessing the capacity of the aquatic ecosystems hosting the activity. The results of the above research efforts and the collaboration of research institutions with the industry's productive bodies and management have contributed decisively to the industry's great success and growth. At the same time, new trends show that the room for improvement is encouraging and capable of giving industry a new impetus and prospect (pag. 10).
The country's strategic goal can only be the sustainable development of the sector with the aim of increasing production, which will lead to an increase in employment and GDP. To achieve this strategic goal, the annual growth of 4%, as set by the EU, is not considered sufficient for the case of Greek aquaculture. The intended increase in Greek aquaculture production should not only meet the above mentioned objectives, but should also be realistic. As a national quantitative target for Greek aquaculture over the next fifteen years, the average annual increase in production is 7%. This increase will mainly concern the production of Mediterranean species of fish, shellfish and any enlargement with new species of seawater, including algae, for human and non-human consumption. It is obvious that is necessary to improve the productivity of the existing units, while expanding the activity and productive innovation as well as establishing new units (pag. 5).
Guidelines for achieving strategic objectives in line with the rules laid down by the new Common Fisheries Policy, as established by Regulation (EU) 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and the Council to achieve the vision and individual strategic objectives, the following guidelines are proposed to: 1. Simplify administrative procedures on licensing procedures reducing time and cost. 2. Coordinated access to water areas or aquaculture facilities, with the implementation of national spatial planning aimed at the rational and sustainable development of the sector and in harmonious coexistence with other activities. 3. Strengthen the competitiveness of the industry by promoting innovation based on scientific research, industry diversification, increased production, reduced production costs, market analysis and expansion, and the implementation of provisions of the new COM (pag 13).