Between 2004 and 2005, overall production in Italy has shown a trend reversal compared with previous years through increased production and stable revenues. This positive trend is due to changes in the aquaculture sector, as capture fisheries output has shown a steady decline as a result of fleet reductions following the EU’s permanent withdrawal programme.

In addition to the reduction of fishing capacity largely involving very old and scarcely efficient vessels, a substantial decline in fishing activity has been registered and this proved to be the most influential variable which brought about significant drops in production levels. Decreases in fishing activity were partly due to the success of the national temporary withdrawal programme and partly due to the self-imposed “responsible” behaviour of fishermen who aimed to avoid excessive fishing pressure. Furthermore, the rise in fuel prices induced many fishermen to limit fishing days in order to reduce costs.