Belgium

• Strong networks and communication channels are needed to reach out to interested producers and investors, as well as specific actions to create an incentive investment framework for the sector.
• Aquaculture should continue to seek integration with other sectors and activities, contributing to the circular system while reducing production costs.
• In addition to aquaculture as the main activity, there should be possibilities to engage in ancillary activities (tourism, angling, catering, education, etc.) that guarantee an income. Projects based on multiple use are strongly recommended as part of an integrated approach.
• The development of offshore aquaculture requires the provision of quality hatchery equipment, the development of appropriate technology for rearing and harvesting in the harsh conditions of the North Sea and adequate landing sites in ports.
• For small-scale aquaculture to continue in Wallonia, there is a need to encourage and train young people, increase profitability, increase the visibility of product quality (e.g. labelling), reduce dependency on external factors (soil and climate), reduce physical impact, ensure the availability of quality hatchery equipment and facilitate access to capital.

• In the face of stagnating volumes of fish from fisheries, aquaculture can meet the growing needs of the market.
• European Union seeks to boost aquaculture production.
• Proximity (short chain), traceability (labelling), cradle to cradle and environmental friendliness (incl. bio-labelling) are gaining importance among consumers.
• Local products add value, which also encourages retailers to offer local products.
• As the world's population grows and prosperity increases, people are consuming more protein and the demand for aquatic products is increasing.
• Strong exporting countries, such as China, may export less farmed fish due to growing domestic demand. As a result, European consumers could become more dependent on local supply.
• Existence of new declared aquaculture zones closer to the coast (shorter sailing distance). In addition, the most optimal sites for integrated aquaculture in Flanders were mapped in 2019 through the HaLaVla project.
• Mariculture development can also provide land-based developments through the need for hatcheries and nurseries that provide local supplies of quality broodstock.
• Presence of infrastructure in ports where mariculture conditions can be created in controlled environments.
• New developments in RAS minimise dependence on water and energy and increase the potential of recirculation systems.
• In aquaculture, the ability to control and monitor the entire life cycle should lead to greater operational reliability and product quality.
• Interest from retailers to start their own production.
• Opportunities for aquaculture production without the use of fishmeal.
• Opportunity for the aquaculture sector to take advantage of the existing logistics structure of the fishing industry.
• Production of aquaculture species new to Belgium (including algae).
• Opportunities for participation or conversion of shipowners/fishermen and farmers to (marine) aquaculture.
• Producers can look for added value and bet on sustainability, freshness and health of aquaculture products. The judicious use of resources, water, space and energy has both environmental and economic benefits.
• The use of residual flows fits within the emerging circular economy, which has also been endorsed as a transition priority in the Flemish government's Vision 2050.
• Aquaponics may gain momentum in urbanised Flanders.
• Promising marine aquaculture projects (mussel, oyster and algae farming) offer prospects for combining with passive fisheries.
• Aquaculture techniques can be deployed for regulatory and protective ecosystem services. By playing an ecosystem role, it can also contribute to the European Biodiversity Strategy.
• Efficient use of space and increased production through multitrophic aquaculture.
• There is a large processing sector that offers opportunities for primary aquaculture producers.
• Digital tools can respond to many of the challenges faced by aquaculture producers (monitoring, automatic predator alert, stock management, online sales, etc.).

Manage particular legislative aspects considering mariculture.

• Authorisation for use: authorisation for use of marine activities is a competence of the Marine Environment Service, DG Environment of the Federal Public Service for Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment.
• Environmental permit: environmental permits for marine activities are a competence of the KBIN Scientific Service Management Unit of the North Sea Mathematical Model (BMM) of the OD Nature).
• Food safety: this matter is managed at federal level by the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC)

• The "Direction des Permis et autorisations" that acts as the central body for the control of permit applications with an aquaculture production of more than 500 kg per year. In other cases, the producer only has to register his production with the municipality.
• Animal welfare: the "direction de la qualité et du bien être animal" that deals with this issue.
• Manure legislation: it is the responsibility of the "Direction de l'agriculture".

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• Environmental permit: since 1 January 2018, the building permit and the environmental permit have been merged in Flanders into the 'environmental permit'. Can be submitted, followed up and handled via a one-stop-shop, the Environment Single Window. Department for the Environment is responsible for the matter in question.
• Animal welfare: The Animal Welfare Service is part of the Environment Department
• Manure legislation (manure decree): This is the competence of the Flemish Land Company (VLM), an externally independent Agency of the Environment policy area 

Find relevant information here