Italy Responded to Blue Crab Invasion with USD 10.77 Million Fund Allocation

The Blue Crab has recently invaded Italian waters, likely transported via international trade ships that inadvertently carry them in their ballast water. In response, from February 16, a circular has been issued to request access to a USD 10.77 million fund. This funding aims to support Consortia, fishing companies, and aquaculture enterprises in Italy to manage fluctuations in Blue Crab abundance and implement seeding, restocking, and facility protection. Funding requests must be submitted by March 22, 2024. This initiative is part of the efforts by Masaf (Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests) in Italy to address the species' excessive and unpredictable proliferation.