Ugl:“58.1% of Italians are aware of the importance of sustainable fishing”

This is one of the data that emerged from the research promoted by UGL Agroalimentare and carried out by the Lab21.01 demographic institute.

ROME - Italian consumers' awareness of the concept of is growing sustainable fishing with an increase of more than two percentage points compared to 2022, reaching quota 58,1%. Eight out of ten Italians declare themselves willing to modify or reduce their consumption by including species fished using artisanal methods in their daily diet with a low environmental impact to help improve the management of the seas.The impact of the emergency is strong “blue crab”, so much so that 87% of the supply chain declare themselves worried.These are some of the data that emerged from the research "Italians and fish consumption.Resistances, obstacles and opportunities to facilitate the choice of fresh Italian fish products", promoted byUGL Agroalimentare and created by the Lab21.01 demoscopic institute, presented to the Senate of the Republic.

THE DATA THAT HAS EMERGED FROM THE RESEARCH

The research was carried out taking as a reference point two targets:the supply chain (catering, Ho.Re.Ca., large-scale distribution, fishermen/breeders/producers of fish products, operators/professionals and opinion leaders in the sector) with 1,723 total contacts and 519 valid and complete interviews and the Italian adult consumers with 3,642 total contacts and 1,032 valid and complete interviews.

The impact of the emergency is strong”blue crab” both on the consumer target and on the supply chain target even if the level of information on the topic appears very different: 42.8% of consumers compared to 88% of professionals consider themselves informed.

However, the podium was unanimous who should do more to deal with this emergency:both consumers and professionals identify the Government and national institutions (53.6% consumers;53.8% supply chain), in local institutions (49.8% consumers;56.1% supply chain) and in the mass media (37.5% consumers;39.6% supply chain) the actors who could have the greatest impact.

What are the possible actions to combat and stem the "blue crab" emergency?

45.8% declare that the best solution would be to "find and strengthen the distribution and retail supply chain for food use", in second position "Inform, by communicating and literate, final consumers to encourage the purchase and consumption of food of the blue crab” (40.4%), and in third position (37.8%) to propose it more to the final consumer in the points of sale.

There are various "supply chain" strategies that put "obtain greater incentives from the State” (46.7%);in second place "strike agreements at national and local level that protect all the players in the Italian seafood supply chain" with 43.7% and in third place "fish and strengthen the distribution and retail supply chain for food use" with 40 ,2%.

Only 2 out of 10 consumers remember one communication/advertising campaign on the theme of fishing (a figure that has however grown by more than 10 percentage points compared to 2022) while among professionals the value rises to 63.1%.

Judgments regarding the issue are still distant communication of fish products:although they are both convinced that we need to communicate more, i44.6% of consumers believe that the communication received is partially or completely sufficient while for industry experts the figure reaches 17.5%.Among the most reliable sources of information, both targets analyzed put institutional sites in first place (93.9% consumers;90.1% supply chain), followed by sector magazines (89.6% consumers;80.3% supply chain).Still in agreement on the quality of the news received:difficult to understand (71.8% consumers;83.4% supply chain);superficial (63.4% consumers;94.9% supply chain);alarmist (50.9% consumers;36.7% supply chain).Only one in ten consumers considers the news received to be clear and 2 in 10 to be reassuring.

The opinion of the sample of interviewees also settles on similar values ​​with respect to information relating to the origin of fish products: over 80% of final consumers and sector stakeholders fishing believes the information is not simple and understandable.

For Claudio Durigon, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies:“Fishermen are a very important component for our economy. The Government is putting a great deal of effort into protecting sustainable fishing, to give effective answers to fishermen, address the numerous current critical issues and relaunch the entire supply chain".

Second Francesco Battistoni, Vice President of the Environment, Territory and Public Works Commission of the Chamber:“In terms of sustainability, as clearly emerges from the analysis carried out by Lab21.01, citizens are increasingly attentive to what they consume, the origin of the catch and the fishing methods.While on the one hand this sentiment linked to sustainability is alive, on the other it emerges that only 2 consumers out of 10 remember a communication campaign on the theme of fishing.This data illustrates the need for continue to raise citizens' awareness of correct lifestyles and how and what to consume responsibly. All actions that the Government is carrying out with commitment and absolute dedication for the good of the country, workers, businesses and citizens".

For the General Secretary of the UGL, Paolo Capone:“The fish supply chain is one of the most important considering that our country has a great tradition.We are an excellence in fishing and fish farming.However, there are numerous critical issues that need to be addressed, starting from decrease in the fleet and the impact of large-scale retail trade, which tends to favor products coming from abroad.Therefore, one is necessary effective communication to encourage a rediscovery of our fish which must be safeguarded.It is also a priority to recognize the level of wear which characterizes the fisherman's profession, strengthening the social and economic protection of workers".

Paolo Marzio, Captain of the vessel, head of the marine fishing department, underlined that:“We are and feel like custodians, together with the fishermen, of those traditions and cultures of the sea.There fishing, Today, we are experiencing a serious crisis which is the biggest one, that is, a crisis of generational change that must be faced.From here, communication is important, which has a decisive role because knowledge and memory must be transmitted."

THE IMPACT OF EXPENSIVE DIESEL ON THE SECTOR

Second Francesca Biondo, General Director of Federpesca:“This research shines an important light on value that this sector expresses for the country and on criticality that he is facing starting fromexpensive diesel.Being a fisherman is a profession that is carried out not only by tradition but also by starting capital that a young person does not possess today. This sector risks no longer being attractive to young people.The research aims to describe the fishing sector in a more understandable way and pushes us to reflect on the topic of sustainability which cannot only be environmental but also ethical and economic".

For Paolo Mattei, National Secretary UGL Agri-Food:“One thing emerges from the research contraction of fish products and a worrying increase in prices due to expensive diesel fuel. Today's meeting wants to send a message that eco-sustainability is a compromise that must be accompanied by taking into account the economic and social impact on the supply chain.Another aspect concerns the numerous bureaucratic constraints, which must be eliminated to relaunch the sector".

Carla Ciocci, National Secretary UGL fisheries, stated that:“The fisheries is one of the most important sectors for us. The problem, therefore, is to protect it adequately.It is essential to try to understand how to stimulate consumers to request the local fish, which is a guarantee of sustainability and healthiness, involving all the actors, even those involved in marketing.From this perspective, the role of communication in supporting sector operators and consumers is fundamental."

Andrea Maria Antonini, Councilor for Economic Development, Industry, Crafts, Commerce, Fairs and Markets and maritime fishing of the Marche Region, declared that:“For the Marche region, fishing represents a fundamental segment and as a Region it has, in this sense, an important tradition, which is also reflected in terms of productivity.The results that emerge from this research tell us how consumers are paying attention and give us fundamental indications for understanding where users want to receive guarantees.It is necessary to develop correct training and adopt policies to support an essential supply chain for the local economy."

Second Roberto Baldassari, Professor at Roma Tre University and General Director of Lab21.01:“Compared to last year there has been an increase in Italians' awareness of the term 'sustainable fishing'.Giving more information gives good and useful results, we need to educate and help people understand topics that are not very close to them.We need to spread awareness about the importance of the national fish product and the problems affecting the supply chain, starting with the blue crab".MEP Anna Cinzia Bonfrisco also participated in the event.