This study explores the technical and scale efficiency of two types of Greek fishing vessels, small-scale vessels and bottom trawlers, using a bias-corrected input-oriented Data Envelopment Analysis model. Moreover, the associations between efficiency scores and vessel’s and skipper’s characteristics are also explored. The results indicate that small-scale vessels achieve a very low average technical efficiency score (0.42) but a much higher scale efficiency score (0.81). Conversely, bottom trawlers achieve lower scale but higher technical efficiency scores (0.68 and 0.73, respectively). One important finding of this study is that the technical efficiency of small-scale vessels, in contrast to trawlers, is positively associated with the experience of the skipper. In a looser context, it can be said that small-scale fisheries mainly rely on skill, whereas bottom trawlers rely more on technology. This study concludes that there is space for improvement in efficiency, mainly for small-scale vessels, which could allow the achievement of the same level of output by using reduced inputs.

The Mazara del Vallo fleet is one of the main fleets of large trawlers in the Mediterranean. Traditionally, the two main fishing strategies adopted by the fleet can be summarized as follows: pesca a fresco (250 m), mainly targeting deep-water shrimp sold frozen. The second fishing strategy has become increasingly important over the last decade. This paper aims to investigate the extent to which the choice of targeting deep-water shrimp impacted the level of technical and scale efficiency for the fleet assessed through an input-oriented data envelopment analysis. The analysis was based on data collected under the Italian National Programme within the European Data Collection Framework, as well as through a focus group discussion with the trawler skippers. The results showed that the pesca a congelato trawlers had the highest average efficiency, with both technical and scale efficiency close to the maximum level. On the basis of information collected during the focus group discussion on the pesca a congelato strategy, technical efficiency was coupled with a lower discard rate and the widespread use of LED lights. The findings were discussed in light of the objective of discard reduction in European fisheries, one of the pillars of the reformed common fishery policy.

This regional case study is focused on employment, remuneration and labor productivity, with a particular emphasis on the interplay between labor productivity and other labor-related indicators and macroeconomic conditions in Italy, Egypt, Lebanon and Greece. Its value lies in the high degree of consistency and comparability of the data, owing to a shared data collection methodology. This has allowed for the compilation of both national and regional comparisons. The data is treated in two groups—the first group consists of national data that considers all the active vessels in a country; the second group focuses on the trawl segments of Italy and Egypt. These two countries present an interesting case study because they are so different in terms of labor productivity and remuneration performance. For instance, in Italy labor shortages have caused a shift in fishing strategies towards less labor-intensive operations to maintain the socioeconomic sustainability of the fisheries, while in Egypt macroeconomic conditions have resulted in a larger labor pool and strong incentives to work in the fisheries sector. The regional study demonstrates that labor-related indicators are interconnected and there is an inversely proportional relationship between labor productivity and remuneration and employment levels. This relationship necessitates a combined analysis. The results across and between the countries were compared, with particular attention given to labor productivity and remuneration in the respective countries with a discussion centred around the potential drivers of labor productivity.

Edible insects constitute a healthy food source providing a sustainable alternative to traditional animal protein. The present study explored consumers’ perceptions and attitudes toward insect consumption, and defined the main motivational factors influencing public awareness and acceptance toward entomophagy. Using a qualitative research design, individual-level data were selected from a sample of 70 consumers in Greece via semi-structured personal in-depth interviews. The Grounded Theory framework was adopted to develop awareness, perception and acceptance drivers. Although the participants were knowledgeable about the usage of insects as food, the great majority demonstrated abhorrence toward entomophagy, describing feelings of disgust and repulsion. Furthermore, the respondents seemed to be reluctant towards the distribution and availability of edible insects and insect-based food options in consumer markets, whereas food safety concerns were strong as many consumers seemed to question the relevant preparation regulations. A lack of information and cultural influences were found to restrict consumers’ acceptance of entomophagy, whereas health and food safety concerns comprised an inhibiting factor in incorporating edible insects in Greek cuisine. This study emphasized the need for a holistic information plan, which will help both food businesses and consumers understand the vital role of edible insects in modern food environments.

Background: Edible insects constitute a healthy food source with high nutritional value, promoted in coordinated efforts to address global food insecurity by providing a sustainable alternative to tradi-tional animal protein. The present study sought to explore consumers’ perceptions and attitudes to-ward insect consumption, and also define the main motivational factors influencing public awareness and acceptance toward entomophagy. Methods: Using a qualitative research design, individual-level data were selected from a sample of 70 consumers in Greece via semi-structured personal in-depth interviews. The Grounded Theory frame-work was adopted to develop awareness, perception and acceptance drivers. Results: Although a small proportion of participants completely ignored the usage of insects as food and food ingredients, the great majority demonstrated abhorrence toward entomophagy, describing feelings of disgust and repulsion. Furthermore, respondents seemed to be reluctant towards the inclusion of edible insects and insect-based food options available to consumer markets through the food pro-cessing businesses and food distribution channels. Food safety concerns were strong since many con-sumers seemed to question the regulations in insect cultivation and the preparation of insect-based foods. Conclusions: Lack of information and cultural influences were found to restrict consumers’ acceptance of entomophagy, whereas health and food safety concerns comprised an inhibiting factor in incorporating edible insects and insect components in the Greek cuisine. This study emphasized the need for a holis-tic information plan, which will help both food businesses and consumers understand the vital role of edible insects in modern food environments.

The aim of this study is to identify the main impacts of the recent economic crisis, regarding one of the most dynamic export aquaculture products of Greece, such as the sea bass and sea bream. Greek export market shares in the main importing markets of the European Union are estimated by implementing the Export Share index (XS). Subsequently, the same index is estimating regarding the main competitors for Greek exports. Results clearly demonstrate a downward trend of the XS for Greek exports, indicating the negative impacts of the economic crisis on Greek exports of sea bass and sea bream.