# Adriatic Sea sardine population decline

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/adriatic-sea-sardine-population-decline
> Updated: 2026-10-10T14:53:08.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Sardine populations in the Adriatic Sea are facing significant declines due to rising sea temperatures and overfishing. Environmental changes, including summer temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius, are forcing sardines to migrate to deeper or more northern waters and causing an ecological mismatch between fish feeding cycles and plankton blooms. These factors have contributed to a decrease in the average size of the fish.

The decline has caused severe economic shifts, particularly in Croatia, where the number of fish canning factories has dropped from approximately 35 to four. While tourism has expanded in coastal regions, it has largely replaced traditional fishing roles with seasonal employment. In response, Croatia has implemented sustainable fishing measures, including permanent restrictions in the Jabuka Basin and total bans in parts of Kvarnerić, supported by investments exceeding 125 million euros since 2019.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-10: Adriatic Sea sardines threatened by climate change

Climate change is threatening Adriatic sardine populations as warming waters force migration and disrupt the plankton food chain, impacting local fishing and traditions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/adriatic-sea-sardines-threatened-by-climate-change

### 2026-10-08: Adriatic Sea sardine populations decline amid rising temperatures

Declining sardine sizes and rising Adriatic Sea temperatures are threatening traditional fishing industries, prompting Croatia to invest heavily in sustainable fishing and protected marine zones.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/adriatic-sea-sardine-populations-decline-amid-rising-temperatures

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Cite as: Adriatic Sea sardine population decline. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/adriatic-sea-sardine-population-decline