The MARAQUA project aims to establish scientific guidelines for Best Environmental Practice for the regulation and monitoring of marine aquaculture throughout the European Union. This paper demonstrates how the MARAQUA Concerted Action is currently using several methods, including a comprehensive literature review and production of a computerised bibliography, establishment of a 'register of experts' and a world wide web site, circulation of a newsletter and a series of workshops to achieve this objective. The progress relating to the objectives of this project is briefly outlined.