The main aim of CONSENSUS is to ensure that sustainability becomes normal practice in the aquaculture industry in terms of the environment, social contribution and economic success into the future. Another major role of CONSENSUS is to demonstrate to consumers the health benefits of eating fish and shellfish grown in sustainable conditions. Early results from the meeting have already highlighted the beneficial effects of PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids), trace elements and vitamins contained in seafood against heart diseases and other cardio-vascular complaints, as well as a wide range of other medical conditions. Furthermore, new information from European surveys shows that consumer perception of the safety and quality of farmed fish is now equal to that of fish caught in the wild.