Friend of the Sea and the World Sustainability Foundation invite project proposals to contain the invasive species, reduce bycatch and support small-scale fishing businesses through the ‘Blue Crab and Responsible Fishing’ initiative.
Damaged aquaculture farms, falling production and businesses under pressure: the blue crab emergency continues to weigh heavily on coastal communities along Italy’s Adriatic coast. In parts of Emilia-Romagna, a region in northern Italy, the spread of this invasive species has contributed to a reduction of more than 70% in the production of market-size clams, according to figures released by the regional authorities in August 2026. The crisis threatens not only biodiversity, but also the livelihoods and future of many families.
Friend of the Sea stands with Italian fishers
Against this backdrop, the World Sustainability Organization (WSO) is expressing solidarity with affected fishers, cooperatives and aquaculture businesses through its international certification programme, Friend of the Sea.
‘We stand alongside fishers and aquaculture producers who are paying an extremely high price for a problem they did not cause’, says Paolo Bray, Founder and Director of Friend of the Sea. ‘Protecting the sea also means not abandoning coastal communities. Public measures must be complemented by new opportunities and evidence-based solutions that can help contain the species and enable businesses to continue operating.’
Commercial opportunities for fishers
Alongside measures to protect aquaculture farms and promote selective fishing, one avenue worth exploring is the commercial use of blue crab. Already eaten in several international markets, the crustacean is also attracting interest in Italy, where chefs, restaurateurs and distributors are promoting it as food. Dedicated processing and marketing supply chains could provide new sources of income for fishers, but must not replace containment measures or encourage the spread or continued presence of the invasive species.
Friend of the Sea’s contribution: responsible supply chains and certification
Friend of the Sea has previously expressed its willingness to consider certifying operators interested in making commercial use of blue crab. It now renews its commitment to working with fishers, cooperatives, processors and distributors to assess certification pathways for eligible activities and products, in accordance with applicable standards and subject to independent audits.
‘Blue Crab and Responsible Fishing’: the World Sustainability Foundation invites project proposals
As part of Friend of the Sea’s conservation projects, the World Sustainability Foundation is promoting the ‘Blue Crab and Responsible Fishing’ initiative, inviting fishers, cooperatives, businesses and researchers to submit proposals to develop and test solutions aimed at containing the invasive species.
Areas of interest include more selective fishing gear and techniques to reduce the incidental capture of non-target species (bycatch), systems to protect aquaculture farms, and tools to measure the effectiveness of interventions. Any commercial use of catches must remain consistent with the goal of containment, without encouraging the species to spread or persist.
Alongside innovative projects, the Foundation aims to help small-scale operators access independent certification schemes, including schemes other than Friend of the Sea where these are relevant to the activities proposed. For operators lacking sufficient resources, support towards audit and certification costs may be considered with the aim, where possible, of covering at least the first year. Certification will remain conditional on compliance with the applicable standards and the outcome of independent audits. Once certified, participating operators may also benefit from communication and promotional activities highlighting their efforts.
The World Sustainability Foundation invites interested parties to submit a brief proposal outlining the problem to be addressed, the proposed solution, the geographical area concerned, the expected measurable outcomes, the implementation timetable and the funding required. Applicants should also indicate any audit or certification needs. The Foundation also invites businesses, organisations, foundations and private supporters to contribute funding, expertise and partnerships to help develop the initiative.
Proposals will be assessed on their feasibility, expected environmental benefits and ability to meet the needs of the communities concerned. Any support will depend on the assessment of each project and the resources that can be raised and made available. Submitting a proposal does not automatically entitle applicants to funding.
To submit a project proposal, contribute to the initiative or request further information, please contact the World Sustainability Foundation at info@worldsustainabilityfoundation.org.
