Which aquaculture establishments must be registered or approved?

The current framework no longer rests on the former “zoosanitary approval” described by the 2006 directive. EU Animal Health Law now distinguishes registration of aquaculture establishments from approval of establishments carrying out specified activities or presenting specified risks.

As a rule, an operator supplies the competent authority with the information needed for registration. Approval applies in particular to establishments keeping aquaculture animals intended to be moved alive or as products, and to other establishments presenting a significant risk. Exemptions exist for some low-risk establishments; their application depends on actual activity, species, capacity, movements and national implementation.

How is the correct route determined in France?

Before starting or materially changing the activity, contact the departmental DDPP or DDETSPP with:

• species, life stages and maximum capacity;
• animal origins and destinations;
• frequency and nature of movements;
• site plan, water circuits and biosecurity measures;
• mortality disposal, records and health surveillance.

The authority determines whether registration, approval with prior inspection, or an exemption applies. Aquaculture health approval does not replace planning, environmental, protected-species, welfare or food-establishment requirements.