The NMPF, together with the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development and existing licensing and regulatory controls, aims to achieve the sustainable growth of the industry while minimising and mitigating environmental impacts. Measures include: according to requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive and the Birds and Habitats Directives; accounting for potential impacts for Good Environmental Status descriptors of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive; considering wider biodiversity interests, heritage assets, seascape, landscape, and visual impacts; best industry management practices in relation to sea lice controls, disease management, prevention of escapes, and avoiding the introduction of non-native species; ensuring that appropriate siting, scaling, phasing and design of farms minimises impacts on ecosystems, protected sites, and protected species.