The European Mollusc Producers Association (EMPA) recently held its inaugural event at the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week, emphasizing the urgent need for support in a shellfish sector facing significant challenges.

Despite its potential to enhance food security and environmental sustainability, the shellfish industry is grappling with pollution and declining production levels, it said. Shellfish growers depend on clean waters, but contamination and diseases have put the EU shellfish sector in crisis.

"A profession that contributes to food autonomy, creates jobs, and supports environmental sustainability," noted French MEP Isabelle Le Callennec, who hosted the event. The EMPA presented its "Manifesto for the Sustainable Development of the European Shellfish Sector," outlining key policy recommendations for the 2024-2029 European mandate.

The manifesto urges the EU to define growth targets for shellfish production. It advocates for sustainability certification schemes and promotes consuming aquaculture products, especially among younger Europeans.

To reinforce Europe's food sustainability and sovereignty, the EMPA calls for an urgent simplification of the licensing process for shellfish farming, establishing binding coastal space targets for 2030 and 2050, and integrated measures to improve water quality.

The manifesto also stresses the need for an EU Common Aquaculture Policy to coordinate efforts and establish clear growth objectives in low-trophic aquaculture. It outlines several recommendations, including adopting a specific directive on shellfish water quality, enhanced enforcement of existing environmental directives, and compensation mechanisms for producers affected by pollution.

It also calls for recognizing the ecosystem services provided by shellfish farming, such as water clarification and habitat creation, through certification and compensatory payments.

Mollusc production is the largest segment of EU aquaculture, generating over 500 million metric tons annually, yet the sector has experienced a steady decline over the past two decades. The EMPA, which represents around 90% of shellfish producers across six European countries -- Spain, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, and Ireland -- plays a crucial role in advocating for the industry's interests.