Starting a new chain of oyster farming based on local production

Venice, Veneto, Italy

Activity Type

Production, consumption, markets

Description

A best innovative practice of the project Horizon 2020 project MAREA: Matchmaking Restoration, Ecology & Aquaculture with a significant implementation in the lagoon of Venice. Ecosystem restoration fostering current local aquacultures, increasing revenues (circular economy), while minimizing impact.

The project's network have 4 key pillars: 1) restorative aquaculture (goal - zero hunger); 2) economic benefits (goals - decent work and economic growth; Sustainable Cities and Communities and responsible consumption and production; 3) environmental benefits (goal - life below water); 4) optimal use of Maritime space.

The selection of Ostrea edulis was done because it was a Venice lagoon native species that gradually was extinct due to uncontrolled overfishing activities and poorly managed fisheries. Innovation has added biological and economical value with tangible circular economy benefits with the activation of a new chain of oyster farming.

Ecological benefits combined with its self-sustainability without any external seeding, ensuring the survival and growth of the Ostrea edulis in the Venetian lagoon. Rethinking of city-lagoon interactions, highlighting its innovative environmental potentialities due to the unique natural context as a food productive site Awareness and sensibilization of the relevance of nature based solutions.

This innovation is a significant diversification of the local economy which can be replicated also in other similar marine - biological environments.