Naples, Campania, Italy – December 23, 2025 – Five individuals have been sentenced to seven years in prison, with one acquittal, in the latest phase of a trial against a criminal organization involved in illegal date mussel poaching. The verdict was delivered in the first instance by the Court of Torre Annunziata, concluding a process that spanned over four years and 37 hearings.
Systematic Devastation of Marine Ecosystems
The organization, comprising approximately twenty individuals, is accused of systematically devastating the seabed and rocks between Castellammare di Stabia, the Sorrento Peninsula, and Capri to extract and resell date mussels. The prosecution, coordinated by Nunzio Fragliasso, contended that these activities, ongoing since 2016, caused irreparable damage to the marine environment. Date mussels are a protected species, with fishing prohibited since 1998 due to the destructive methods used for their extraction.
Poachers typically use picks to remove the mollusks from the crevices in which they live, thereby destroying the substrate essential for the attachment of algae and vegetation. This process severely impacts the biodiversity of the marine ecosystem.
Charges and Previous Convictions
The charges brought against the defendants included criminal association, environmental disaster, and receiving stolen goods. The Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies and the Marevivo association, which joined the proceedings as a civil party, are to be compensated by the convicted individuals.
This latest ruling follows previous convictions related to the same organization. On October 27, 2022, twelve other defendants were sentenced to six years in prison each under a fast-track procedure. These individuals later opted for a ‘plea bargain’ on appeal, resulting in reduced sentences. Additionally, two defendants accused of receiving stolen goods had previously pleaded guilty in October 2022, receiving sentences of two years and four months in prison. During the investigations, over two and a half tons of date mussels were seized.
Environmental Impact and Legal Ramifications
The ongoing legal battle highlights the severe environmental consequences of illegal date mussel fishing. The destruction of marine habitats not only impacts the immediate ecosystem but also has broader implications for marine biodiversity and the delicate balance of coastal environments. The systematic nature of the damage underscores the urgency of enforcement and conservation efforts in the region.
The sentences aim to deter further illegal activities and send a strong message about the protection of Italy’s valuable marine resources. The involvement of environmental organizations like Marevivo as civil parties in the trial emphasizes the collaborative efforts to combat environmental crime and seek justice for ecological damage.
The Sorrento Peninsula, renowned for its natural beauty, faces significant challenges from such illicit activities. The long duration of the trial and the multiple convictions reflect the complexity and persistence of these environmental crimes, as well as the determination of the authorities to prosecute those responsible.
This case serves as a crucial precedent in environmental law, demonstrating the legal system’s capacity to address and penalize actions that lead to significant ecological degradation. The efforts to secure compensation for the affected ministries and environmental groups further reinforce the principle that those who harm the environment must bear the costs of their actions.
Source: https://napoli.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/25_dicembre_23/processo-ai-datterari-della-penisola-sorrentina-altre-cinque-condanne-a-7-anni-ed-una-assoluzione-a2c5eb8a-ba73-4b88-920c-d3471e6a8xlk.shtml
