engleski

Environmental effects of aquaculture in the Croatian territorial sea

The massive occupation of the coastline and the discharge and dumping of large amounts of solid and liquid wastes into the Adriatic Sea together with the over-exploitation of natural resources, constitute a threat to the preservation of ecological balance and biodiversity. Mapping and monitoring of Posidonia meadows in Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea showed significant decline in meadows density in the area influenced by aquaculture farming. This applies especially on the bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) farming. Tuna fish-farming projects along the coast of the Croatian territorial sea are becoming more and more often. All farms are located in very shallow parts of relatively narrow channel areas. The impact of tuna farming facilities in the marine littoral environment is assessed at two areas in central part of Croatian Adriatic Sea (area of Drvenik and Kluda islands and area of Fulija and Kudica islands). Aquaculture wastes are a source of nutrient pollution and stimulate blooms of phytoplankton or algae population and enrichment of the sediment in organic matter. It would appear that the Posidonia oceanica beds also undergo significant alterations. We consider that due to the vulnerability and strong competition for coastal resources, the future development should be focussed on offshore cage technology on the same way like in many parts of the Mediterranean.

Posidonia oceanica meadows; tuna farming; Adriatic Sea

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