Present market situation and prospects of meagre (Argyrosomus regius), as an emerging species in Mediterranean aquaculture.

This document draws the picture of the existing market of meagre and describes the possible routes for development. Meagre culture started in France and in Italy in the late '90s and is developing in the Mediterranean region, jumping from a few tonnes in 2 000 to over 10 000 tonnes expected in 2010, highlighting the appearance of a new aquaculture species on the market. Indeed, based on its aquaculture characteristics, meagre has the potential to become a mass market species, moving from the present position of a niche species with a limited production directed to selected market segments. The paper recommends some actions to be undertaken to consolidate good conditions for future growth and to reduce commercial risks.