Fisheries is a strategic economic sector in the Republic of Croatia. As one of the most important maritime activities, it encompasses fishing, aquaculture (the farming of fish, crustaceans, shellfish, and algae), as well as the processing of fish and other marine organisms. Fisheries is also one of the oldest forms of marine resource utilisation.

The fisheries sector includes fishers and producers, processors, and distributors. Market organisation is a key component of the European Union’s Common Fisheries Policy. Following Croatia’s accession to the EU, the country became part of a single market of approximately 500 million consumers, requiring higher productivity, more competitive products and prices, and full compliance with EU regulations representing both an opportunity and a challenge for the fish and seafood industry.

Zadar County’s coastal area, including the mainland coastline, islands, and the surrounding sea basin, represents one of its most valuable development resources. Fisheries is a traditional activity along the Zadar coast and islands and remains an important source of livelihood for a significant share of the coastal and island population.

Zadar County is widely recognised as one of Croatia’s key fisheries regions, supported by favourable climatic, geomorphological, and biological conditions. Notably, the initial development of tuna farming in Croatia began in the Zadar maritime area, driven by fishermen from Kali, who introduced this technology from the Pacific.

Fish processing in Zadar County has a long-standing tradition. The first fish canning factories on the Adriatic were established in Zadar. Today, processing capacities such as Mardešić, Omega 3, Mišlov, Cromaris, Kali Tuna, and Jadran Tuna play a leading role in Croatia’s fish industry.

These facilities produce a wide range of products, including canned fish, salted fish, portioned and processed fish products, and fish meal. The majority of domestic aquaculture production is exported to European Union markets (notably Italy, Slovenia, and Spain) as well as to Japan.

Mariculture, as the farming of marine organisms in seawater or brackish water, has developed rapidly and strongly in Zadar County. As part of the region’s maritime orientation, mariculture has become an equal partner in marine resource management, requiring clean and unpolluted marine environments to achieve sustainable economic outcomes, while aligning with the principles of sustainable development.

The dominant species in Croatia’s aquaculture sector are European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata). Given the specific conditions of the eastern Adriatic coast, sea bass is more suitable for farming and is cultivated in almost double the quantity compared to sea bream.

Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is farmed in floating cages in semi-protected and open sea areas. Production is based on the capture of juvenile wild tuna (8–10 kg), which are then fattened until they reach market size (around 30 kg).

Shellfish farming focuses on mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and oysters (Ostrea edulis), cultivated on ropes in specially controlled and monitored sea zones.

It is important to note that all aquaculture sites are located in rural areas of the county, which have become key centres for fisheries and mariculture activities. This contributes significantly to employment and self-employment in rural and island communities. In Croatia, approximately 70% of fisheries, aquaculture, and processing activities take place in rural and island areas, where alternative sources of income are limited.

Zadar County is the leading county on the Adriatic in terms of production and export in the mariculture sector. However, significant development potential still exists. Key advantages include proximity to major export markets particularly Italy the high quality and purity of the Adriatic Sea, and the strong international reputation of Adriatic seafood products.

1. Natural resources

The indented coastline and clean marine environment make Croatia’s coastal area, including Zadar County, one of the most unique locations in the Mediterranean. The coastline features numerous sheltered bays, coves, and channels suitable for mariculture operations. A wide range of sites is available for different types of marine farming.

Climatic and oceanographic conditions support fast and efficient growth of fish and shellfish. The coastal waters of Zadar County remain largely unpolluted, which is a fundamental prerequisite for aquaculture production.

2. Existing experience and expertise

Croatia has historically played a pioneering role in Mediterranean aquaculture, particularly in Zadar County. This is reflected in accumulated knowledge, strong technical expertise, and highly educated scientific and professional personnel. Research institutions in the region are well equipped to support and monitor the sustainable development of the sector.

3. Growing demand exceeding supply

In high-income countries, including Croatia, there is a growing shift towards healthy nutrition and protein-rich food products. Seafood plays an increasingly important role in modern diets, while meat consumption is declining.

At the same time, wild catch volumes are decreasing due to pressure on natural resources, increasing the importance of regulated aquaculture. Global demand for mariculture products continues to grow, while supply is constrained by environmental regulations and resource limitations.

Fish consumption in Croatia is approximately 8–9 kg per capita annually, compared to an EU average of around 20 kg, indicating significant growth potential.

4. Mariculture and tourism synergy

The strong growth of the tourism sector further increases local demand for high-quality seafood products. Mariculture is highly compatible with tourism and fisheries, both of which are traditional coastal economic activities.

5. Availability of suitable sites

While fishery production is expected to decline in certain areas, mariculture is projected to grow both in Europe and globally. However, expansion in many EU countries is constrained by spatial limitations, environmental regulations, and competition for marine space.

Unlike Northern Europe, where access to coastal zones is limited, Croatia and particularly Zadar County has significant available space for aquaculture development. Suitable locations for fish and shellfish farming are designated in spatial planning documents.

Fish processing in Zadar County began in the early 20th century, initially based on sardine salting and canning. Today, key processors include Omega 3 (Kali on Ugljan Island), one of the first producer organisations in Croatian fisheries, Mardešić d.o.o. (Sali, Dugi Otok), and Mišlov d.o.o.

The export capacity of the fisheries and mariculture sector is particularly strong. Major exporters include Cromaris d.d. (Zadar), Kali Tuna d.o.o. (Kali), Jadran Tuna d.o.o. (Biograd na Moru), Ribarska zadruga Omega 3 (Kali), Pelagos Net Farma d.o.o. (Zadar), Mišlov d.o.o. (Poličnik), Mardešić d.o.o. (Sali), and Noclerius d.o.o. (Gračac).

The fisheries and mariculture sector is primarily regulated by the Marine Fisheries Act and the Aquaculture Act.

Key institutions include the Ministry of Agriculture and its Fisheries Directorate, which is responsible for sustainable resource management, fleet and aquaculture regulation, structural and market policy measures, and fisheries inspection.

The system is further supported by advisory services, regional institutions, chambers, cooperatives, and producer organisations, including the Croatian Chamber of Economy and the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts.

Fishing cooperatives and producer organisations play an important role in strengthening sector competitiveness and improving coordination among stakeholders, contributing to long-term sustainability and development of the industry.

Cromaris p.l.c.
Cromaris is a company dedicated to breeding, selling and processing of fish. Their knowledge and expertise are inherited from the long experience of the greatest domestic names in mariculture and fish breeding, which have recently merged under the name of Cromaris.
Trg tri bunara 5, 23000 Zadar
Tel: +385 (0)23 254 960
Fax: +385 (0)23 250 883
Web: www.cromaris.hr

Mardešić Ltd.
The "Mardešić" factory was founded in 1905, and fish production began in 1907. Considering that the factory is located in Sali on Dugi otok for more than 100 years it represents the main source of income for the local people and those of surrounding islands. Nowadays the factory produces canned fish, mostly sardines, anchovies, tunas and mackerels.
Sali bb, 23281 Sali, Dugi Otok
Tel: +385 (0)23 377 029
Fax: +385 (0)23 377 064
e-mail: info@mardesic.hr
Web: www.mardesic.hr

Dalmar p.l.c. - open sea farming
Their fish farms are located near the marine park of the wonderful Incoronate Islands: the fish swim in open sea and feed in an environment made favourable by the uncontaminated waters of the Croatian archipelago. Each fish is marked with a small flag that attests the origin and quality obtained by controls effectuated during the entire farming cycle. The packaging of the product is carried out using the most advanced technology for the selection, weighing and distribution of the fish, thereby guaranteeing a high and constant qualitative standard over a period of time.
Obala Kralja Petra Kresimira IV br. 64, 23211 Pakoštane
Tel / Fax: +385 (0)23 381 978
e-mail: info@dalmar.hr
Web: www.sea-srl.com/public/en/dalmar.asp

Jadran tuna Ltd.
Established in year 1997, Jadran tuna is following world's technology and market trends, and developing constantly. Since most of their production is quality tuna meat for Japan market (used in sushi and sashimi), they are using technology chosen and controlled by their clients in order to fulfil client's requirements. Today, they have 13 fishing ships, 2 towboats, refrigerator ship and several ships and boats used for farming and various interventions.
Vukovarska 86, 23210 Biograd na Moru
Tel: +385 (0)23 385 355
Fax: +385 (0)23 385 359
e-mail: jadran.tuna@zd.t-com.hr
Web: www.jadran-tuna.hr

Kali Tuna Ltd.
Kali Tuna farms Atlantic Bluefin Tuna in the calm waters of the Adriatic Ocean. The companies core product is sashimi grade tuna. Kali Tuna seeks to produce and distribute healthy seafood in an economical, efficient and environmentally friendly manner. The company is located in the archipelago of Zadar, along Croatia’s Central Adriatic coast.
Put Vele Luke bb, 23 272 Kali
Tel: +385 (0)23 28 28 00
Fax: +385 (0)23 28 28 10
e-mail: kali-tuna@kali-tuna.hr
Web: www.kali-tuna.com

Zadar-tuna Ltd.
Zadar-tuna is a company for production and trade, established December 17, 2004. Since May 2, 2008. Zadar Tuna takes over tuna farming and trade from AT together with the concession on maritime demense «Pod Mrđinom» on Ugljan Island, as well as the associated equipment. Yearly planed farming is 230 tons.
Head office:
Kolegina ulica b.b., 23272 Kali
Office:
Vatroslava Linsinskog 12b, 23000 Zadar
Tel: +385 (0)23 332 082
Fax: + 385 (0)23 331 834

Ostrea Ltd.
The factory has been in fish salting since 2000 and under the name Ostrea since 2003. At the peek of the season the factory employs over 300 workers. Having a yearly production of 3500 tons today, Ostrea is the biggest producer of salted anchovies in Europe.
Benkovačke bojne 17, 23420 Benkovac
Tel: + 385 (0)23 682 040
Fax: + 385 (0)23 682 012
e-mail: ostrea@zd.t-com.hr
Web: www.ostrea.com.hr

Adria Zadar 1
Gaženička 32, 23000 Zadar
Tel: + 385 (0)23 209 900
Fax: + 385 (0)23 342 308