The operations of the European Reference Centre for the Welfare of Aquatic Animals, the first specialized Centre within the EU framework, commenced today, February 16, 2024, in the presence of the EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Ms. Stella Kyriakides, the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Mr. Lefteris Avgenakis, the Regional Governor of Crete, Mr. Stavros Arnaoutakis, the Mayor of Heraklion, Mr. Alexis Kalokerinos, the Rector of the University of Crete, Professor Georgios M. Kontakis, the Vice-Rector of Research and Development of the University of Crete, Mr. Michail Pavlidis, local authorities, and the heads of numerous organizations.

The Reference Centre, which is one of the four to be established in Europe and the first specialized in aquatic animal issues, will operate as a consortium led by the University of Crete, with the participation of the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences and the University of Barcelona.

The event took place at a central hotel in Heraklion.