Socio-Economic & Sustainability Assessment of Artisanal Shrimp Fisheries, Greece / Italy

Navigator Consulting participated in a European Commission research programme examining the biological, environmental and socio-economic sustainability of the Penaeus kerathurus (Caramote shrimp) fishery in the Eastern Mediterranean. The project was implemented under DG XIV in collaboration with the National Centre for Marine Research (Greece) and the University of Lecce (Italy), bringing together expertise in fisheries biology, marine ecology and socio-economic analysis.
 

The study focused on the traditional artisanal shrimp fisheries operating along the Greek Ionian coastline and Southern Italy, where small family-owned fishing enterprises had supported coastal communities for generations. While the fishery remained culturally and economically important, increasing operating costs, declining profitability, ageing fishing communities and growing pressure on marine resources raised significant concerns regarding the long-term economic viability and environmental sustainability of the sector.

 

The project sought to integrate biological resource assessment with economic analysis in order to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the future of artisanal Mediterranean fisheries.

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Navigator was responsible for the socio-economic and financial assessment of the fishery, evaluating the economic performance of fishing enterprises, employment impacts, investment requirements and the long-term sustainability of coastal fishing communities.

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Services provided included:

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• Socio-economic analysis of artisanal fisheries.
   

• Fisheries sector economic assessment.
   

• Employment and livelihood analysis.
   

• Financial performance assessment of fishing enterprises.
   

• Capital expenditure (CAPEX) analysis.
   

• Operating expenditure (OPEX) assessment.
   

• Revenue and profitability modelling.
   

• Seasonality and fishing effort analysis.
   

• Fleet structure and technology assessment.
   

• Fishing equipment and operational practices review.
   

• Value chain and seafood marketing analysis.
   

• Community and regional economic impact assessment.
   

• Sustainability and resource management analysis.
   

• Evaluation of long-term industry viability.
   

• Policy recommendations supporting sustainable fisheries management and coastal development.
   

The study demonstrated that the future sustainability of artisanal shrimp fisheries depended not only upon the conservation of marine resources, but also upon maintaining economically viable fishing enterprises capable of supporting coastal communities. It highlighted the importance of integrating biological monitoring, fisheries management, economic performance and rural development policies to ensure the long-term resilience of traditional Mediterranean fisheries.

 

The project also illustrated the need for improved resource monitoring, ecosystem-based fisheries management and socio-economic planning to safeguard both shrimp populations and the communities whose livelihoods depended upon them.

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Confidentiality Notice

The projects presented herein are actual examples of Navigator's professional experience. Stock photography and conceptual images are used for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual project, client, owner or location. Certain technical, financial and commercial information has been modified, generalised or omitted to preserve client confidentiality and commercially sensitive information. All information is presented for general reference purposes only.