Multi-year National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture Development for the new programming period 2021-2030.

This National Strategic Plan concerns the development of aquaculture in the country within the timeframe 2021-2030, moving from the consideration that aquaculture is one of the main pillars of the Blue Growth Strategy, and aims at achieving the goals of European Green Deal. Particularly, the Strategic Plan focuses on: stimulating the green economy; creating new job opportunities in coastal and rural communities; improving the food system, thanks to nutritious and healthy food with a limited environmental footprint; reducing pollution and contributing to the fight against climate change; preserving ecosystem and biodiversity. Matters covered by the Strategic Plan include: overview on the role of aquaculture at global and European level; the importance of aquaculture for Greek economy; marine, freshwater and lagoon aquaculture; the activity of fishermen’s cooperatives; legislative and administrative framework; targeted actions to ensure sustainable development through coordinated marine spatial planning; strengthening competitiveness of aquaculture companies, through the implementation of systems for the safety and hygiene of products and the health and well-being of aquatic animals; ensuring the quality of aquaculture products; improving environmental protection in aquaculture.
The Strategic Plan focuses on its objective of increasing aquaculture production and the value of the products, through the definition of the following four main goals: 1) building resilience and competitiveness; 2) participation in green transition; 3) consumer awareness and social acceptance; 4) research and innovation and strengthening of human resources. The related targeted actions and measures concern: administrative procedures for aquaculture licensing and for creation of marine spatial planning; ensuring animal welfare and protecting animal health, through the approval of veterinary health facilities in aquaculture companies, investment in new technologies and methods for diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases, including vaccination; improvement of fish feeding; climate change adaptation and mitigation measures; diversification and protection of species; consumer protection; promotion of aquaculture tourism, in order to involve the public in aquaculture activities.