Taranto mussel farming crisis in Mar Piccolo

Mussel farming associations and unions in Taranto sought a temporary derogation to a 2022 ordinance prohibiting the re-immersion of non-native mussels in the Mar Piccolo basin. Industry leaders argued that high summer temperatures caused significant losses of native mussel seeds, warning that a continued halt in production could lead to a permanent collapse of the sector.

Technical discussions were held with scientific and control bodies, including ASL, ARPA, and CNR. While some officials considered a draft ordinance to allow Mediterranean-sourced species of the same type as the native Mytilus galloprovincialis until February 2027, the proposal faced political resistance regarding the protection of local production identity and Slow Food Presidium status.

Ultimately, Taranto Mayor Piero Bitetti refused to grant the exemptions. Following technical meetings, officials determined that the environmental risks of introducing potentially invasive species—which could disrupt the biological balance of the Mar Piccolo—outweighed the economic benefits to the industry. The administration has instead requested that the Puglia Region recognize a state of calamity to assist the sector.