Mediterranean CE Data


Testing Phase - Main Conclusions


The BLUEfasma testing phase aimed to:

Testing activities were implemented in order to estimate the Mediterranean stakeholders’ level of circularity. The partnership located in 9 countries was in charge of testing the Mediterranean CE readiness index in their respective territories. The testing phase involved in total 114 stakeholders acting in the aquaculture and fishing value chain.

repartition of beneficiaries per countries

Mediterranean stakeholders’ level of circularity


The results highlight that the Mediterranean stakeholders’ level of circularity in the fishing and aquaculture sectors is rather low. Fishing and aquaculture remain traditional sectors, based on a traditional linear model. This model is wasteful and is consuming a lot of natural resources. The average Circular Economy Readiness Index is 1.9/4.0, which means that the companies follow green economy and eco-thinking in their businesses.

stakeholders' level of circularity

Two concrete examples


Packaging: Half of the stakeholders interviewed are making efforts in terms of packaging to move towards Circular Economy: 24% are using reusable containers, 22% recyclable or biodegradable packaging and 4% eco-friendly packaging. The other half is still using single-use packaging for storing goods.

packaging of storing goods


Waste: Waste as fish scales, shells and unsold fish are not often recovered by companies. Only 13 beneficiaries against 77 are recovering products ‘waste in a systematised way. These companies are using residues as fertiliser or animal feed. The valorisation of waste such as fish scales and shells can be a way of boosting Circular Economy in the Mediterranean area.

products waste recover


Several difficulties to move towards Circular Economy practices were highlighted during this testing phase:

Lack of knowledge on the Circular Economy process There is a general lack of awareness about Circular Economy initiatives and the benefits they can bring to companies. This is linked also to the lack of awareness of the real meaning behind “Circular Economy”. Indeed, some circular practices are implemented without being labelled as such. Therefore, there is a need for clarification on the definition, goals, and advantages of Circular Economy principles.
Most of the beneficiaries are small and independent This mainly concerns fishermen and small aquaculture farms. Most of them are small and independent and thus have limited control over waste flows. For instance, the use of crates is often governed by the purchasing company and this gives little control over the use of recycled crates and managing processing waste.
Lack of financial resources One of the biggest obstacles is economic investment. Investing in alternative practices or technologies, such as eco-friendly vessels implies a level of investments that small companies cannot usually reach. Additionally, there is often a lack of knowledge regarding financial aid which can support them in their shift towards Circular Economy.
Lack of administrative support Another difficulty is the lack of assistance with the administrative procedures for financial aid or installation support. Stakeholders need to be guided for the implementation of Circular Economy in their activities. However, they have the feeling that there is not enough involvement of the different public administration stakeholders related to the sectors. There is a need for support in the implementation of CE.

Willingness to invest in Circular Economy


Among the stakeholders interviewed, there is a general awareness that there should be a more rational use of raw materials benefiting the environment. Most of them are receptive and ready to invest and would like to find more ecological alternatives. The average grade for willingness to invest in CE is really encouraging: 3,5/5.0.

willingness


Fishing and aquaculture are blue economy sectors with a huge potential to move towards circularity. Improvement can be done at all stages of product life. Key challenges in the sector are summarised in the following table:

Eco-design
  • Reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions through better insulated cooling rooms or boat engines less dependent on fossil fuels
  • Find alternatives to plastics by replacing single-use plastic bags by plastic from recycling or reusable bags
Production
  • Create added value for waste
  • Use discarded fish/shellfish in other phases of the production cycle
  • Link with other sectors (agriculture)
Use
  • Sharing or mutualise large equipment and boat
  • Repair and reuse discarded nets/ropes/cages/ boxes and crates
Recycling
  • Recycle materials such as fishing nets, fishing gear and aquaculture equipments at the end of a product’s life
  • Recycle shells in aquaculture

bluefasm logo

BLUEfasma project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the Interreg MED Programme 2014-2020 in the framework of the third call proposals for modular projects, under the Priority Axis 1.1 “To increase transnational activity of innovative clusters and networks of key sectors of the MED area”.