Key insights into Italian aquaculture towards 2030

Italian aquaculture remains a cornerstone of the country’s seafood sector, contributing over 40% of total national production (source: STECF 24-14). In 2023, the industry generated around 142,000 tonnes, with an estimated value of €600 million, according to the National Fisheries Profile of Italy: A detailed social analysis of the Italian fishing sector (European Commission, 2025), authored by Maria Cozzolino and Rosa Federica Grassi.

The sector is evenly divided between fish and shellfish — marine and freshwater aquaculture — with 82,000 tonnes.

In marine aquaculture, according to the Italian Fish Farming Producers (API), in 2024 the main species were gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), with 9,900 tonnes; European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), with 5,100 tonnes; and European eel (Anguilla anguilla), with 300 tonnes. The main farmed shellfish species are the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), with 38,600 tonnes, and the Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum), with 12,100 tonnes.

Freshwater aquaculture production is distributed among several species: rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), with 28,700 tonnes - 56% of the total aquaculture fish production -; brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), known locally as salmerino di fonte, with 900 tonnes; African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), with 250 tonnes; common carp (Cyprinus carpio), with 550 tonnes; sturgeon (Acipenser spp.), with 1,200 tonnes; and other fish species, with 1,200 tonnes. Freshwater production is located mainly in the northern regions of Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, Lombardy, and Piedmont.

Despite its economic and social importance, the sector faces significant structural challenges. According to Cozzolino, speaking to misPeces, “Italian aquaculture is currently under strong pressure from rising feed and energy costs, complex administrative procedures, and coastal environmental constraints.”

A growing concern, she adds, is the rapid spread of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), which has severely affected mussel and clam farming — “areas where Italy ranks among the EU’s main producers.” This invasive species not only depletes stocks but also damages ropes, nets, and infrastructure.

For finfish aquaculture, key priorities include reducing feed costs through circular economy strategies and accelerating the transition to renewable energy, to decrease dependence on fossil fuels and strengthen long-term sustainability.

Innovation and recovery: sustainability as leverage

Innovation remains central to strengthening the sector’s resilience and competitiveness. Increasing adoption of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), and eco-certifications demonstrates a growing commitment to resource efficiency and environmental responsibility. New investments in value chain integration and collaboration between producers and researchers are fostering the transition toward circular economy models. Diversification through multifunctional aquaculture — combining production with tourism, education and environmental restoration — is also emerging as a key growth lever, particularly in coastal and rural regions.

Strategic priorities 2026–2030: resilience, skills and market strength

Maria Cozzolino

Looking ahead to 2026–2030, Cozzolino highlights the need for technological innovation and engineering solutions for offshore and integrated farming systems, as well as the recovery and valorisation of fishery and processing by-products for feed and high-value functional ingredients. Strengthening skills development, digitalisation, and vertical integration within farms will be crucial to enhance efficiency and product diversification. At the same time, improving market positioning through quality, traceability and branding will help consolidate Italy’s presence both domestically and internationally.

Finally, Cozzolino stresses that resilience to climate change and biological threats, including invasive species, must remain a central pillar of sustainable aquaculture development. With its strong family-based business structure, rising innovation capacity and clear commitment to sustainability, Italy stands out as a European leader in aquaculture transformation — steering steadily towards a more balanced and competitive blue economy.