Introduction and background
The Strategic guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive European aquaculture sector address challenges and opportunities in line with the European Green Deal and related strategies. A key priority is to reduce the environmental impact of aquaculture products by promoting the use of more sustainable technical and biological inputs under the call of the circular economy (COM, 2019).
Mussel farming, one of the most important sub-sectors in Europe, is facing new challenges as it has been identified as a significant source of marine pollution (Tudini & Forgione, 2024). Indeed, the sector extensively uses plastic materials for production and packaging (Fortibuoni et al., 2021; Bottari et al., 2024). It is estimated that approximately 20 grams of plastic are used for each kilogram of mussels marketed (Pietrelli, 2022).
As part of the outcomes of the “LIFE MUSCLES” project (LIFE20 ENV/IT/000570), this study aims to investigate the economic viability of using biodegradable or recycled nets in Italian mussel farming. Specific objectives include (i) identifying the main barriers to adoption, (ii) exploring the perspectives of Italian mussel farmers, and (iii) offering policy recommendations in line with European strategies.
Methodology
Interviews with Italian mussel farmers were conducted to identify the main cost factors of sustainable alternatives to conventional nets. A contingent valuation model (Carson, 2005) was used to estimate willingness to pay (WTP) based on (1) farmers’ subjective knowledge and (2) objective information provided during the study on the characteristics of recycled and biodegradable nets. Economic data were also analyzed to assess costs and benefits.
Results and conclusions
While mussel farmers acknowledge the environmental advantages of alternative nets, widespread adoption remains limited due to key challenges such as high initial costs, doubts about performance, lack of institutional backing, and uncertainty surrounding consumer acceptance. These findings highlight the urgent need for coordinated institutional support, including financial incentives, a robust regulatory framework, and targeted awareness campaigns.
A comprehensive policy approach - integrating funding, training, research, and consumer engagement - is essential to driving the transition toward sustainable practices in the mussel farming sector.
References
Carson, R. T., & Hanemann, W. M. (2005). Contingent valuation. Handbook of environmental economics, 2, 821-936. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1574-0099(05)02017-6
Commission regulation (EU) 2019/640, (2019). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/IT/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52019DC0640
Tudini, L., & Forgione, A. (2024). Issues and Needs for the Sustainable Development of Shellfish Farming in Italy. Aquaculture Journal, 4(2), 55-75. https://doi.org/10.3390/aquacj4020005
Bottari, T., Mghili, B., Gunasekaran, K., & Mancuso, M. (2024). Impact of plastic pollution on marine biodiversity in Italy. Water, 16(4), 519. https://doi.org/10.3390/w16040519.
Fortibuoni, T., Amadesi, B., & Vlachogianni, T. (2021). Composition and abundance of macrolitter along the Italian coastline: The first baseline assessment within the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Environmental Pollution, 268, 115886. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115886
Pietrelli, L. (2022). Polypropylene recovery and recycling from mussel nets. Polymers, 14(17), 3469. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173469
Life MUSCLES: Circular innovation to protect the sea. https://lifemuscles.eu/