engleski

Development of Integrated Aquaculture in Zone Z1, Zadar County, Croatia

Integrated aquaculture (IMTA) is recognized worldwide as a solution for mitigation of environmental impact and economical and social sustainability. Several studies in the Mediterranean suggested a great potential for development of sustainable aquaculture under IMTA principles. Almost 50% of Croatian marine fish farm production is situated in Zadar County which makes it the main aquaculture area in the Croatia. In planning of further development of this county, integrated coastal management principles were used and zones (Z1 – Z4) for aquaculture were proclaimed. Zone Z1 was selected as area where aquaculture is a top priority and where integrated aquaculture combining fish and bivalves is planned. Study conducted in Z1 zone demonstrated that mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819) has the same production cycle as in traditional areas such as Mali Ston Bay, coupled with adequate meat quality. Further more, preliminary data show that cca 5kg of mussel spat per 1 meter of submerged rope can be collected in vicinity of the fish farm installations. Increased condition indices on locations close to fish farms in comparison to natural populations were noticed also for Noah’s ark (Arca noae Linnaeus, 1758), while preliminary research shows great potential for production of two valuable bivalves – oyster Ostrea edulis Linnaeus, 1758 and pectinid Mimachlamys varia (Linnaeus, 1758). All producers in the area have shown interest for diversification of production trough shellfish farming. Two EU projects (IPA, FP7) are under evaluation for examing all aspects of the potential for IMTA in Z1 zone. These projects will evaluate production capacity and health standards for bivalves. The final goal is to classify zone Z1 as a shellfish production area according to EU health standards.

Integrated aquaculture ; Adriatic sea ; Croatia

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