Abstract
Towards sustainability, the valorization of underexploit marine sources such as invasive species is crucial. The invasion of these species induces negative effects both in socioeconomic aspects and in the marine ecosystem making their exploitation vital as a measure towards the management of their population. The present study considers alternative ways to valorize in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industry three important invasive alien species of the Mediterranean basin, the Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789), the Pterois miles (Bennett, 1828) and the Fistularia commersonii (Rüppell, 1838). In this study, it is proposed to carry out an evaluation on substances with high commercial interest of particular species, such as collagen, omega-3 fatty acids, aminoacids and toxins as well as the indication of methods of their processing and utilization in added value applications. The present study can turn the current problem of invasive alien species into a “Win-Win” solution for Mediterranean fisheries and cosmetology, food and pharmaceutical companies. In addition to the innovation brought to the cosmetics sector due to the opening of a new market of innovative formulations based on unique products origin, the invasive species’ exploitation is expected to create a new type of fishery that will bring economic benefits to professional fishermen themselves. In addition, it will contribute to the reduction of invasive fish stocks in the Mediterranean and consequently in the control of the ecological and economic impact on marine life, fisheries, human well-being and health.
Presenters
Sofia PapadakiPost Doc Researcher, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Attiki, Greece
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Multiple Legacies: Heritage, Traditions, Local Ecologies, Knowledge, Values, Protection
KEYWORDS
Mediterranean Marine Biodiversity protection practises, Enviromental, Economic and Social Sustainability
