New regulations of the European Union on aquatic animals - a draft of the European Council directive

The current veterinary legislature on aquaculture was developed 20 years ago when the European Union consisted of only 12 Member States. It was created in order to protect the-then basic field of activity of this sector, which was the culturing of salmonids (trout and salmon) and oysters. Currently, this law requires updating so as to reflect the wide scope of activity within the aquaculture sector and species now found in the enlarged Union. It should also include significant developments in this branch and the experience gained through the last 15 years of implementing the existing law and scientific progress in this discipline. EU regulations should also be updated to conform to international agreements-and norms (e.g.: WTO/SPS and OIE). The proposed new regulations submitted to the Council will abolish the present laws (Council directives 91/67/EEC, 93/53/EEC and 95/70/EC) and replace them with a new directive on health requirements for aquatic animals and products thereof, and on the prevention and control of certain diseases in these animals. This will facilitate higher flexibility and give operational responsibility to the Member States, thus enabling effective disease prevention through initiating decision-making at a local or regional level.