Croatia implements coastal development plans and sardine fishing restrictions

In Croatia, new initiatives and regulatory proposals are targeting the management and development of coastal and fishing sectors. The LAGUR Tramuntana local action group is currently accepting proposals for its 2028–2034 development strategy. This partnership, which includes representatives from the public, economic, and civil sectors, covers the cities of Novalja, Rab, and Senj, as well as the municipalities of Karlobag and Lopar. The goal is to create a sustainable local strategy focused on fisheries, aquaculture, and the blue economy.

Simultaneously, a proposal is under urgent public consultation to impose strict limits on sardine fishing in part of fishing zone A in the Adriatic Sea. The measure, which could remain in effect until the end of 2026, proposes limiting purse seine fishing to a maximum of five fishing days per month per permit. This decision is reportedly based on assessments indicating that sardine stocks are in extremely poor condition, though critics have noted the absence of published scientific data or specific analyses to support the exact scale of the proposed restrictions.