Monitoring and regulation of marine aquaculture in Europe

There is a current need to establish scientific guidelines for Best Environmental Practice for the regulation and monitoring of marine aquaculture throughout the European Union. This paper will demonstrate how the ‘MARAQUA’ Concerted Action will address this need using several methods including a comprehensive literature review and production of a computerized bibliography, establishment of a ‘Register of Experts’ and a worldwide website, circulation of a newsletter and a series of workshops. A brief comparison of the regulations and monitoring programmes associated with marine aquaculture in European countries is briefly outlined. These issues are described in depth in the individual country reviews presented in this special edition of the Journal.