Blue economy sectors

Aquaculture in Sicily is mainly based on seabass and seabream production, with an average ratio of 54 to 46%. Small and variable quantity of other marine species are produced, such as: sharpsnout seabream, red porgy, common dentex, amberjack, meagre, Mediterranean bluefin tuna. Commercial shellfish culture is limited to small mussel farms in the Provinces of Palermo, Messina and Syracuse. The Regional Pilot Centre for Aquaculture of Assessorato Agricoltura e Foreste of the Sicilian Region coordinates research, development and pilot scale production in fresh water aquaculture. This sector is expected to grow rapidly in the next few years.

Palermo is considered one of the Italian strategic ports for the Motorways of the Sea system by the Ministry of Transport. The Sicilian ports in which today Ro-Ro cabotage services are operated for the combined road-sea are: Palermo, Termini Imerese, Catania, Trapani.  Considering the port facilities, Sicily exceeds the national average. Due to its geographical conformation, the region has in fact a large number of ports, but the type and quality of services offered is inadequate in relation to the structure of the production system and the demand for passenger and freight transport.

Renewable sources are hydroelectric, photovoltaics, from biomass. No renewable sources: Power stations with steam turbines powered by poly-fuel. Semi-thick dense oils and natural gas are used, creating a mix that has led to a certain control of emissions in compliance with environmental legislation. In the Aeolian Islands it has been planned a “Plan for recovery and increase of installed capacity end adaptation of auxiliary systems” including the installation of 10 new electro diesel production groups. The end uses concern the equivalent consumption of primary energy sources.