Neglected and Underutilized Fish Species: The Potential Loss of Value in the Italian Context

Margherita Masi (), Yari Vecchio, Emanuele Dolfi (), Ernesto Simone Marrocco, Gizem Yeter, Francesca Troise, Laura Prandini, Federica Savini, Felice Panebianco, Annamaria Pandiscia, Elisabetta Bonerba, Valentina Terio, Tiziana Civera, Andrea Serraino and Federica Giacometti
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Margherita Masi: Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
Yari Vecchio: Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
Emanuele Dolfi: Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
Ernesto Simone Marrocco: Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
Gizem Yeter: Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
Francesca Troise: Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy
Laura Prandini: Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
Federica Savini: Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
Felice Panebianco: Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Torino, Italy
Annamaria Pandiscia: Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Provincial Road to Casamassima Km 3, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
Elisabetta Bonerba: Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Provincial Road to Casamassima Km 3, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
Valentina Terio: Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Provincial Road to Casamassima Km 3, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
Tiziana Civera: Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Torino, Italy
Andrea Serraino: Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
Federica Giacometti: Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-17

Abstract: This study investigates Italian fishery discards through the lens of neglected and underutilized species (NUS). It estimates the potential loss of value (PLoV) to identify pathways for sustainable valorization under the European Union landing obligation (LO). NUS were selected through a stakeholder focus group. Data regarding landings and discards were collected for the period 2020–2022 within the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry (MASAF) database. Among the three years, fleets landed roughly 130,400 tons annually, worth about €700 million, while discarding around 6200 tons yearly. This corresponds to an average PLoV of approximately €21.5 million. Most of the discarded quantity and value is concentrated in a few species. Atlantic Horse Mackerel stands out, accounting for nearly one-third of discarded biomass and about one-quarter of total PLoV. In 2020 and 2022, its discards even exceeded reported landings. A conservative valorization scenario for this single species indicates potential revenues of up to €7.5 million per year. Overall, these findings suggest that targeted NUS valorization could represent a way to diversify seafood consumption, alleviate pressure on common stocks, and buffer fishers’ incomes. This potential depends on ensuring traceability and safety, supported by pilots in processing, product development, and consumer acceptance.

Keywords: landing obligation; NUS; underutilized; market opportunity; circular consumption; policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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