Mariculture in the Boka Kotorska Bay: Tradition, Current State and Perspective

Abstract

This paper presents data on initial scientific research activities conducted in order to explore the possibilities for bivalve farming in the conditions of the Boka Kotorska Bay; the data on experimental project related to technology transfer and protection of farming sites against predators, as well as the methods for defining the mariculture sites and principles that sustainable bivalve and fish farming should be based on. Mariculture development in Montenegro began after the completion of initial explorations on the possibilities of farming edible bivalves on the area of the Boka Kotorska Bay, which were conducted in the 1960s. After this period, the first commercial farming of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) began, while the first commercial farming of oysters (Ostrea edulis) began in 2009 in the Bay of Kotor. Today, there are around 20 active shell farms as well as two fish farms using the multitrophic aquaculture system. Bivalve farming is done using the traditional method of floating parks system (long-lines), while fish farming is done in floating cages.