Study on an interim evaluation of the Open Method of Coordination for the sustainable development of EU Aquaculture European Union

DG MARE Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (European Commission) - Project Dates:
October 2017 - December 2018

Description of Project:
The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) Basic Regulation set up this voluntary process for cooperation to promote the sustainable development of the EU aquaculture under an Open Method of Coordination (OMC). Cooperation between Member States is based on Strategic Guidelines for the sustainable development of EU aquaculture, on Multiannual National Strategic Plans (MANPs) and on exchange of good practices.

The evaluation aimed at assessing both national and EU efforts to promote the development of the sector. It also intends to inform Member States, stakeholders and the public on the OMC achievements in the aquaculture sector. The evaluation results can contribute to improving the implementation of the OMC and provide evidence for preparing the subsequent programming period. Although not required by the CFP Basic Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, an interim evaluation of the implementation of the OMC can provide useful information in order to continue developing evidence-based policy for the sustainable development of EU aquaculture.

Services Provided:

Poseidon provided the team leader and an aquaculture specialist to this study. They were key authors on the work, contributing to the main evaluation and case studies. In particular Poseidon:

1. Provided the team leader and editor in chief, responsible for tasking the 10 person team (from 4 companies) and ensuring the outputs were to the standard expected by the client
2. Prepared a detailed case study on Ireland’s aquaculture sector, evaluating their governance systems, production monitoring, use of maritime spatial planning and biosecurity monitoring.
3. Prepared key sections on maritime spatial planning and its use in developing GIS-based monitoring and planning systems for all the EU Member States.