On January 23–24, 2025, SPA/RAC organised two back-to-back workshops on Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) in Rome, Italy, with the support of the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests (MASAF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The first workshop focused on managing the spread of NIS across the Mediterranean, emphasizing biosecurity, early detection, and targeted eradication strategies. Scientists, fishers, civil society organisations, national institutions, and entrepreneurs discussed innovative solutions such as the market valorisation of NIS products and adaptive fisheries management. The workshop highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and developing practical, scalable solutions to reduce the ecological and economic impacts of NIS in the region.
The second workshop specifically addressed the invasive blue crab species (Callinectes sapidus and Portunus segnis), discussing sustainable fishing practices, upcycling blue crab waste, and promoting blue crab consumption to balance ecological concerns with economic opportunities. Participants stressed the need for improved monitoring, early detection, and cross-border collaboration. Key outcomes included recommendations for monitoring, spatial control, fisheries management, awareness campaigns, rapid response strategies, and international cooperation to manage the blue crab invasion effectively.
Both workshops underscored the urgency of integrated approaches for sustainable NIS management and biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean.
To access the full summary of the workshops’ outcomes, please follow these links: