Scotland and the Mediterranean countries have been at the centre of the growth of this industry, with salmon, sea bream and sea bass productions. The EU gave money to these industries, but so far -after 20 years- has failed to provide clear rules on sustainability. This lack of regulation allowed member states to support the industries without necessarily asking them to respect strict environmental standards.
The result is that all the countries where aquaculture has grown in recent years are now suffering similar environmental problems where the sea farms are based, especially with pollution, use of chemicals and damage to wildlife. That's why different communities and campaign groups are now fighting against projects to expand or set up new farms in Scotland, Greece and Italy.
FOLLOW UP
Watch here the documentary by Francesco de Augustinis, documenting a journey across three continents, following his journalistic investigations into the fish farming industry.
