From invasive to innovative: the delicious sea snails from the Black Sea

Discovering the value of invasive Black Sea sea snails as a culinary delicacy, a family-run business from Varna in Bulgaria, has developed a new market for the molluscs. With EU support, Sever Export has grown rapidly, now operating a fleet of four vessels and an onshore plant for processing sea snails.

From a nuisance to a culinary delicacy

In the 1990s, the Rapana venosa sea snail, originally from Japanese waters, began appearing in the Black Sea. Initially viewed as a nuisance, its shell was primarily used to create souvenirs like ashtrays and necklaces for the tourism sector.

However, Sever Export recognised the potential of this undervalued resource and became one of the first companies in Bulgaria to harvest and process the Rapana venosa sea snail for human consumption. It developed processing techniques and recipes, transforming the sea snail into a local delicacy and a niche export product.

'Not only are the snails delicious, but studies have shown that they are highly nutritious and an excellent source of quality marine lipids, further enhancing their commercial value.', said Polina Harasimova, Marketing Manager at Sever Export.

Developing an innovative product thanks to the EU

Thanks to support from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), Sever Export has enhanced its processing capacity and improved the quality of its catch. This has involved a new processing facility, upgraded equipment, and new refrigerated buses for transportation.

In addition, the company has introduced onboard shock-freezing technology and a retail shop to sell directly to consumers, ensuring the freshest products reach their tables. With EU funding, the company has also established local sales outlets for sea snails, engaging both professional and amateur fishers: this initiative has provided a significant boost to the local economy.

As Polina Harasimova explains: 'Sea snail harvesting in the Black Sea is really supporting local incomes. Many amateur divers are earning more collecting sea snails in their spare time than they do from their regular jobs.'

The results have been remarkable, and there is now a sustainable market for sea snails. To date, Sever Export has processed over 750 tonnes of seafood, successfully navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Without EMFF support, the company would have faced severe financial strain and potential layoffs during the economic downturn. Instead, the company has thrived, proving that even during global disruptions, production from sea to plate can still be sustained.

Processing and sorting of sea snails
©Sever Exports

Environmentally friendly practices

Processing Rapana Venosa sea snails has also positively impacted the environment. Harvesting this species helps mitigate its negative effects on native black mussel populations, allowing these ecosystems to recover following the introduction of the invasive snails. Additionally, Sever Export turns by-products, such as snail shells and lids, into valuable resources for other industries, further contributing to sustainability.

Sever Export’s story has inspired other companies in the Black Sea region to explore the potential of underutilised marine species. By turning unwanted catches into profitable products, the company has not only carved out a niche market but also paved the way for future innovations in the fisheries sector.