Uncovering unmet demand and key insights for the invasive blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) market before and after the Italian outbreak: Implications for policymakers and industry stakeholders

In the summer of 2023, the Atlantic blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, experienced an unprecedented outbreak in the Northern Adriatic Sea, significantly impacting Italy’s shellfish farming industry and generating widespread media attention. Given that commercially harvesting this edible species is recognized as one of the main strategies to manage its invasion, we conducted an extensive online survey to explore key aspects of C. sapidus market. The survey included questions on public awareness, market availability, consumer’s acceptance, market prices and willingness to pay. We gathered responses from 2466 participants across Italy, between November 2022 and October 2023. To explore possible changes in public perceptions, we compared data from periods before and after the media upsurge. Our findings underscore a rapid rise in public interest fueled by media coverage, coupled with a high favorable reception from Italian consumers, who positively assessed the blue crab’s qualities. A notable mismatch between consumer interest and the current availability of C. sapidus in national markets was highlighted, suggesting the importance to address this major gap in the distribution chain of blue crab across all the Italian regions. By tapping into a highly impactful and readily available yet currently underutilized resource, significant economic potential can be unlocked. This approach should be considered while developing long-term adaptation strategies, ensuring sustainable harvesting practices and carefully assessing any potential challenge.