​​​​​​​​​​​The NAT commission adopted the opinion of Mr Bronius Markauskas, EA Group Member and Mayor of Klaipėda district municipality in Lithuania the opinion on Sustainable blue economy and aquaculture. 

Mr Markasuskas highlighted that aquaculture is an established and integral industry in many regions across the EU, but a more sustainable and competitive industry can offer benefits across the entire Union as Member States recover from the pandemic. Particularly, sustainable aquaculture will be vital in the green transition. 

"I am happy to discuss this important subject for my region with the Committee of the Region's members. During the preparation of the opinion I had an occasion to discuss with the Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius on the topic. Aquaculture should be recognised as a specific policy area, with sufficient funding so that it provides an alternative to traditional fisheries. In my opinion greater involvement of local authorities would ensure better development of a sustainable blue economy by developing dynamic and sustainable blue economy ecosystems, promoting innovation, applying smart solutions and creating jobs" Said Mayor of Klaipeda.

Ms Isabel Carvalhais MEP, invited to the debate on the opinion echoed this sentiment, highlighting that aquaculture can become one of Europe's main food sources in the transition to sustainable agriculture, but adds that regulation will be necessary to achieve this. Ms Lorella de la Cruz Iglesias from European Commission, highlighted that the Commission's guidelines provide guidance for both local and regional levels, local and regional authorities will be central to their implementation.