Adriatic Sea sardine populations decline amid rising temperatures

The Adriatic Sea is experiencing significant ecological and economic shifts, particularly regarding sardine populations. Researchers have noted a decrease in average sardine size, dropping from 15 centimeters twenty years ago to approximately 12 centimeters today. This decline is attributed to overfishing and rising sea temperatures, which have reached up to 30 degrees Celsius in the summer, hindering reproduction.

These environmental changes have severely impacted the fishing industry, especially in Croatia. The number of fish canning factories has plummeted from approximately 35 to just four. While tourism has grown in these coastal areas, it has replaced many traditional fishing jobs with seasonal employment and increased pressure on coastal regions.

To combat these issues, Croatia is implementing sustainable fishing measures. This includes permanent fishing restrictions in the Jabuka Basin, covering 1,393 km², and total fishing bans in certain areas of Kvarnerić. Since 2019, over 125 million euros have been invested in the sustainable development of the Croatian fishing sector to protect marine biodiversity and ensure long-term resource availability.