Italian fishermen pivot to exporting invasive blue crabs

Fishermen in Italy’s Po River Delta are pivoting their business strategy to combat the economic impact of the invasive Atlantic blue crab. The species has been blamed for decimating local Manila clam populations, leading to a significant financial crisis for the region's fishing industry.

The Polesine Fishermen’s Cooperative Consortium reported a 75% revenue drop to 15 million euros ($17 million) during 2024 and 2025, with its active membership shrinking from 1,500 to 850. To mitigate these losses, the cooperative has shifted from incinerating the crabs to exporting them to international markets.

This new strategy aims to preserve the remaining mussels and Manila clams in the lagoons of Veneto and Emilia Romagna. The pivot appears to be working; the consortium forecasts 20 million euros ($23 million) in revenue this year, primarily driven by crab sales, and has successfully sold all crabs caught so far this year, eliminating the previous need for incineration.