Rural Development and Food Minister Kostas Tsiaras discussed the challenges and the opportunities that exist in the sector of fisheries and  aquaculture with visiting European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis on Friday.
At a meeting held at the ministry, Tsiaras said that "Greece has the largest fishing fleet and maritime space in the European Union, something that also means challenges and responsibilities.
As he noted, although this is a time when it is necessary to take measures to protect fish stocks and biodiversity through the planning of marine protected areas, "at the same time, however, we must ensure the viability of fishermen so that they can cope with the new conditions."
The minister welcomed the European Commission's initiatives to support fisheries, both in the Mediterranean and at a European level, emphasising that "Europe is now shaping central strategies aimed at the stability, sustainability, and resilience of the primary sector. This is a direction that can meaningfully support a large part of the Greek population."
He also pointed out that the challenges are not limited to the protection of biodiversity but extend to tackling illegal fishing by neighbouring countries, as well as the increased demand for food within the EU. "This gives us the opportunity to develop a high added-value product with a unique identity, which the Mediterranean Sea can showcase internationally," he added.
Tsiaras underlined the need to make use of European funds and the tools provided by the Common Fisheries Policy through a coherent and long-term strategy, noting that "supporting the fisheries sector is not only an environmental or economic choice-it is a social responsibility. We must instill resilience into the sector and highlight its contribution to local communities that require substantial support."
On his part, Kadis noted the need to strengthen the aquaculture sector in Greece and in the European Union, noting the significant prospects that are opening up for the specific sector.
"We want to attract young people to the sector. We discussed the particular challenges Greece is facing, as well as the need to strengthen aquaculture, which is the fastest-growing sector globally, while in Europe it remains stagnant. Greece, however, is a positive example in terms of the quality and development of its products," he stated.
The European Commissioner noted that during discussions with the Greek side, the inclusion of aquaculture in future national planning was set as a priority.
"Europe covers 70% of its fishery needs through imports. The development potential clearly lies in aquaculture. Our policies will reflect these prospects. It is crucial for member states to be aware of the strategic directions of the European Commission," he concluded.