28.6.2007 Official Journal of the European Union L 168/1 (Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is obligatory) REGULATIONS COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 708/2007 of 11 June 2007 concerning use of alien and locally absent species in aquaculture THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Commu- nity, and in particular Article 37 and Article 299(2) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament, Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1) Whereas: (1) In accordance with Article 6 of the Treaty, environmental protection requirements must be integrated into the definition and implementation of the Community policies and activities, in particular with a view to promoting sustainable development. (2)  Aquaculture is a fast-growing sector where innovation and new outlets are being explored. In order to adapt the production to the conditions of the market, it is important for the aquaculture industry to diversify the species reared. (3) Aquaculture has benefited economically from the introduc- tion of alien species and translocation of locally absent species in the past (for example rainbow trout, Pacific oyster and salmon) and the policy objective for the future is to optimise benefits associated with introductions and translocations while at the same time avoiding alterations to ecosystems, preventing negative biological interaction, including genetic change, with indigenous populations and restricting the spread of non-target species and detrimental impacts on natural habitats. () OJ C 324, 30.12.2006, p. 15. 4) Invasive alien species have been identified as one of the key causes of loss of native species and harm to bio-diversity. Under Article 8(h) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), to which the Community is a Party, each Contracting Party is required, as far as possible and as appropriate, to prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species. In particular, the Conference of the Parties to the CBD has adopted Decision VI/23 on alien species that threaten ecosystems, habitats or species, the annex to which sets out Guiding Principles for the prevention, introduction and mitigation of impacts of such alien species. The translocation of species within their natural range to areas where they are locally absent for specific bio- geographical reasons may also present risks for ecosystems in these areas and should also be covered by this Regulation. The Community should therefore develop its own frame- work to ensure adequate protection of aquatic habitats from the risks associated with the use of non-native species in aquaculture. This framework should include procedures for the analysis of the potential risks, the taking of measures based on the prevention and precautionary principles and the adoption of contingency plans where necessary. These procedures should build on experience gained through the existing voluntary frameworks, and notably the Inter- national Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Code of Practice on the Introductions and Transfers of Marine Organisms and the European Inland Fisheries Advisory Commission (EIFAC) Code of Practice and Manual of Procedures for consideration of introduction and transfer of marine and freshwater organisms.