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1.1.3 Understand the value of bivalve farming and the lack of recognition of this practice at EU level.

Bivalve farming, including species such as mussels, oysters, and clams, represents one of the most sustainable and strategically important forms of aquaculture in Europe. Unlike many other animal production systems, bivalves are filter feeders that rely on naturally occurring phytoplankton, requiring no external feed inputs, fertilizers, or antibiotics. This results in a very low environmental footprint, with greenhouse gas emissions among the lowest of all animal protein sources. In addition, their filtration activity improves water quality by removing excess nutrients and suspended particles, thus helping to mitigate eutrophication. Bivalves also provide key ecosystem services, including supporting marine biodiversity, enhancing habitat complexity, and contributing to sediment stabilization. At the same time, the sector plays a vital role in sustaining coastal economies, generating local employment, and preserving cultural traditions across many European regions. However, despite these benefits, the recognition and support of bivalve farming at EU level remains limited and uneven, particularly when compared to other aquaculture sectors. There are significant differences among Member States in terms of production systems, regulatory frameworks and economic importance. In Italy, bivalve farming, especially mussel and clam production, is highly developed and closely integrated with coastal lagoon ecosystems, such as those in the Adriatic Sea. Italy ranks as the second largest producer of mussels in Europe, with an annual production of approximately 64,000 tonnes. The core of Italian production is concentrated in the Po Delta area (Emilia-Romagna), which alone accounts for more than one-third of national output. This district is characterized by a high level of vertical integration along the value chain, combining production, processing, and distribution, resulting in improved efficiency and market stability. Despite its economic relevance, the sector is often constrained by complex administrative procedures and territorial conflicts with tourism and coastal development.

In France, oyster farming represents a historically established and well-organized industry, supported by solid institutional frameworks and quality labels. Mussel production reaches approximately 60,000 tonnes annually, yet it only covers about half of domestic consumption, resulting in substantial imports.

In Ireland, bivalve aquaculture is smaller in scale but recognized for its high environmental standards and strong focus on sustainability principles. The mussel industry is economically valuable and environmentally sustainable, with a sector value exceeding €25 million in the mid 2000s. However, it is highly dependent on the availability of wild mussel seed, which is subject to strong temporal and spatial variability.

In Greece, mussel farming represents the dominant aquaculture activity, with production reaching around 36,000 tonnes annually and a strong export orientation, especially towards other EU markets such as Italy. Nevertheless, the Greek sector is strongly export-oriented, with around 80% of production destined for foreign markets. This high dependence on external demand makes producers particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices, transport costs, and logistical disruptions. Furthermore, the sector is characterized by relatively small farm sizes and limited organizational consolidation, which constrains its capacity to absorb market instability.

Spain is one of the largest producers of mussels in Europe, especially in Galicia, where raft farming systems (bateas) predominate, producing more than 200,000 tonnes annually. The sector has recently expanded into regions such as Andalusia, where it is considered a strategic alternative to declining fisheries. Spain also has a higher level of species diversification than other Mediterranean countries, including oysters and clams. The research highlights the high productivity and export potential but also stresses environmental pressures and the need for integrated coastal management.