Montenegro Coast Research Articles

Shellfish Meat Safety on the Montenegro Coast

Exploitation of natural resources of the marine ecosystem to feed a growing human population has led to the possibility of their application in the future. In order to solve this problem, mariculture develops and the create adequate conditions for the breeding of marine organisms which are using in human nutrition and one of them are shellfish known as nutritionally valuable food. Microflora of marine organisms, and therefore shells largely depends on environmental factors such as time of the year, temperature of the sea water etc. This work was focused on growing shells on the Montenegrin coast, and a special emphasis was put on placing health-safe shells on the Montenegrin food market. In addition to meat shells, physical and chemical parameters of sea water were studied: water temperature, salinity, oxygen saturation, pH, transparency, nitrate concentration, Examination of these parameters is related to the period of one year. The own results of the microbiological examination of the samples of shellfish sampled in six production zones in April according to presence of Escherichia coli in the value of ˂18 MPN – (Most Probably Number) per 100 g of meat and intra-shell liquid, which means that shellfish in general at the Montenegrin coasts satisfy and meet microbiological criteria in view of the presence of Escherichia coli. When its own results compare with the results of the SVL (Specialist Veterinary Laboratory) for the same time in each zone, it can be determined that the results match, thus confirming the accuracy of the test results shown.

Essential Oil Content, Composition and Free Radical Scavenging Activity from Different Plant Parts of Wild Sea Fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) in Montenegro.

This study was conducted to determine the sea fennel essential oil (SFEO) yield, composition, and antioxidant activity of leaves, stem, inflorescences, and umbels from seeds of wild sea fennel (SF) (Crithmum maritimum L.) from the Montenegro coast. The chemical composition of isolated essential oil was determined by GC/MS and GC/FID analyses. The antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH assay. The maximum SFEO yield was found in umbels with seeds (4.77 mL/100 g p.m.). The leaves contained less EO (0.52 mL/100 g p.m.) than immature inflorescence (0.83 mL/100 g p.m.) The minimum EO content was found in the stem (0.08%). Twenty components were isolated from SFEO leaves, twenty-four from inflorescence, thirty-four components from the stem, and twenty-one components from umbels with seeds. Limonene (62.4-72.0%), γ-terpinene (9.5-14.0%), α-pinene (1.4-5.8%), and sabinene (1-6.5%) were found to be the main components of the SFEO from monoterpene hydrocarbons as dominant grouped components (86% to 98.1%). SF plant parts showed differences in chemical profiles, especially in specific and low-represented ingredients. (E)-anethole (4.4%), fenchone (0.5%), and trans-carveol (0.2%) were present only in umbel with seeds, while the β-longipipene (0.5%), (E)-caryophyllene (0.5%), and (2E)-decenal (0.2%) were found only in the stems. The degree of DPPH radical neutralization increased with incubation time. The SFEO isolated from the stems showed stronger antioxidant activity during the incubation times of 20 and 40 min (EC50 value of 5.30 mg/mL and 5.04 mg/mL, respectively) in comparison to the SFEO isolated from the other plant parts. The lowest antioxidant activity was obtained with the SFEO leaves (155.25 mg/mL and 58.30 mg/mL, respectively). This study indicates that SFEO possesses significant antioxidant activities and is animportant component in the food and pharmaceutical industries. It is important to preserve the existing gene pool and biodiversity with rational use SF for the extraction of high-quality essential oils.

RESEARCH ON THE LIQUEFACTION POTENTIAL OF THE TERRAIN ALONG THE MONTENEGRIN COAST

<p class="ABSTRACT">After the catastrophic 1979 earthquake, a classification according to the degree of damage was carried out on about 40,000 buildings in the area of six municipalities along the coast of Montenegro. The results showed that a significant number of commercial, residential and hotel buildings were destroyed or heavily damaged as a result of liquefaction or ground subsidence of the terrain. The results were systematized in overview maps of liquefaction potential at a scale of 1:5000, which was used as a basis for the adoption of urban plans of coastal municipalities. This paper aims to raise the general level of information among planners and civil engineers about the existence of a high risk of liquefaction in these areas.</p>

Comparison of the Essential Oil Content, Constituents and Antioxidant Activity from Different Plant Parts during Development Stages of Wild Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.)

The study was conducted to determine fennel essential oil (FEO) yield, composition, and antioxidant activity during four different maturation stages of umbels with seeds (1st stage: immature-pasty; 2nd stage: premature-waxy; 3rd stage: mature-fully ripe; and 4th stage: seeds only), and leaves of wild fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. subsp. vulgare) from the Montenegro coast. The maximum oil yield was found in premature umbels at the waxy stage (4.76 mL/100 g p.m.) and in fully ripe umbels in the early fruiting stage (5.16 mL/100 g p.m.). Fully ripe seeds contained the lowest FEO (mL/100 g p.m.). The minimum FEO content was found in leaves (0.67%). (E)-anethole (64%), α-phellandrene (11.0%), and fenchone (4.8%) were found to be the main components of the essential oil from immature fennel umbels. (E)-anethole (72.3%), fenchone (9.6%) and methyl chavicol (9.5%) were found to be the main components of the essential oil from premature fennel umbels. (E)-anethole (71.6%), fenchone (10.7%) and methyl chavicol (10.3%) were found to be the main components of the essential oil from mature fully ripe fennel umbels. Fennel seeds were rich in (E)-anethole (75.5%) and fenchone (13.7%). FEO from fennel leaves contained (E)-anethole (32.5%), α-phellandrene (18.8%), p-cymene (17.3%), and β-phellandrene (10.3%) as the main compounds. The antioxidant activity of FEO decreases from leaves (12.37 mg/mL) to seeds (37.20 mg/mL). The degree of DPPH radical neutralization increased with the incubation time. Fennel umbels can be harvested before the fully ripe stage, i.e., at the waxy stage, which considerably reduces seed shedding and losses and increases the essential oil yield.

Microplastics in mussels from the Boka Kotorska Bay (Adriatic Sea) and impact on human health.

This study evaluated the microplastic abundance, shape, color, size and chemical composition of microplastic in mussels and estimated human exposure to microplastic through consumption of mussels collected from Boka Kotorska Bay (Adriatic coast of Montenegro). Microplastic was found in 53.3% of the studied mussels, with an average microplastic abundance of 2.53±1.1 items/individual. Most of the ingested microplastic were fibers (63.7%), which were blue in color. FT-IR revealed that 98% of the examined particles were plastic, with seven polymers identified, of which polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate were the most abumdant polymers in mussels. Three of the polymers detected in mussels (polyamide, polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene) are classified as hazardous by the European Chemical Agency with warning or danger signals. With one serving of mussels, consumers would ingest 22.7 microplastic particles, while the annual dietary intake of microplastic via consumption of mussels was estimated at 99MP/year.

Essential Oil Yield, Composition, Antioxidant and Microbial Activity of Wild Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) from Monte Negro Coast

The aim of this work was to compare the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oils from two plant parts (leaves and stems) of fennel, wild-grown in the Montenegro seaside. The chemical composition of the isolated essential oils was determined by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and flame ionization detection (GC/FID). The yield of the fennel essential oils (FEOs) from leaves (0.83%) was four times higher than that from the fennel stems (0.21%). Forty-six compounds were identified from leaves’ FEOs and were mainly aromatic compounds (68.5%), monoterpenes (17.8%), and others, where the most abundant compounds were (E)-anethole (51.4%) and methyl chavicol (9.3%). Forty-seven compounds were identified in the FEOs from stems, which were mainly aromatic compounds (69.7%), oxygen-containing monoterpenes (14.9%), where the most abundant compounds were also (E)-anethole (55.7%) and methyl chavicol (7.8%). The FEOs from stems showed higher antioxidant activity, with an EC50 value of 2.58 mg/mL, than in the fennel leaves, which had an EC50 value of 6.91 mg/mL. The FEOs show superior antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans (45.3 mm) and Bacillus subtilis (24.0 mm). Isolated essential oils could be used as a safer alternative to synthetic additives in the food industry.

The effect of commercial and artisanal fishing practices on the behavioral budget of bottlenose dolphins off the coast of Montenegro, South Adriatic Sea

AbstractThe spatial–temporal distribution of cetacean species often overlaps with fishing practices in the Mediterranean, having direct and indirect consequences. This is the first long‐term study focusing on the effects of fisheries on the behavior of T. truncatus in Montenegro. Focal group scan sampling was used during surveys between September 2016 and August 2020 to create transition probability matrices using first‐order Markov chains for behavioral states in both control (absence of fishery practices) and impact chains (presence of fishery practices). Despite the low number of dolphin‐fishery interactions in Montenegro, results revealed that the behavioral budgets of T. truncatus were significantly altered both for commercial and artisanal fisheries. However, the magnitude of the threat differed between practices, with commercial fisheries altering three out of the four behaviors in the behavioral budget while artisanal fisheries altered just one. Significant behavioral changes due to disturbance can have negative consequences on the energy budget of individuals and while the Montenegrin fishing fleet is currently limited to 224 vessels, the significant effects already witnessed are concerning for Montenegrin bottlenose dolphins. To develop in‐situ mitigation strategies, there is a clear need to better understand the impact that fisheries interactions have on these individuals.

Anthropogenic influence on the environmental health along Montenegro coast based on the bacterial and chemical characterization.

Coastal marine sediments are particularly exposed to human activities. The function of a coastal ecosystem is largely affected by eutrophication, wastewater discharges, chemical pollution, port activities, industry and tourism. Bacterial classification can be used as a measure in assessing the harmful effects on the ecosystem. This study provided insight into the environmental health of the coastal region of Montenegro analyzing the possible impact of PAHs and PCBs upon the bacterial community diversity and function as well as nutrients. Two stations at the shipyards were defined as very high PAH polluted together with PCB concentration exceeding threshold values. The bacterial community at the OTU level clustered together all stations except the most polluted site (SBL), the main tourist destination in Montenegro (BDV) and the estuary site (ADB) forming the independent clusters. Bacterial community based on the OTU level was driven by PAHs, TOC and silt content. The lowest richness and diversity were indicated at the site with the highest concentration of PAHs and PCBs with the highest abundance of Alphaproteobacteria followed by Gammaproteobacteria. OTUs affiliated to phyla BRC1, Dadabacteria and Spirochaetes were present with a total abundance higher than 1% only at the most polluted site indicating their persistence and possible potential for degradation of aromatic compounds. To compare functional capabilities potentially related to biodegradation of aromatic compounds and active transport systems, PICRUSt was used to predict metagenomes of the sediments. From our data, we identified specific bacterial community and predicted metabolic pathways that give us a picture of the environmental health along the coast of Montenegro, which provides us a new insight into human-induced pollution impacts on the coastal ecosystem.

Biochemical composition and biometric parameters of Mytilus galloprovincialis from Boka Kotorska Bay in Southern Adriatic Sea

This study reports, for the first time, different physico-chemical analyses, of Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from harvesting areas in the Montenegro coast of the Adriatic Sea, in order to evaluate the influence of origin on different parameters and assessed the quality of shellfish grown in this area. The Boka Kotorska Bay is situated in Montenegro, in the south-eastern part of the Adriatic Sea The mussel samples were collected at the same time in the spring of 2019 at six locations in Boka Kotorska Bay, Montenegro: Kotor and Tivat Bays. Biometric parameters, percentage of meat, condition index, proximate composition, sensory evaluation and lipid profiles of mussels were studied. The concentrations of some micro and macro elements and heavy metals in mussels, were also analyzed. Significant differences were found between mussels from different locations. Mean biometric parameters of mussels grown in Sv.Nedjelja, were considerably higher than in mussels grown elsewhere.. Protein, lipid, ash and glycogen content were varied from 7.80 to 10.26%; 1.36 to 2.18%; 1.73 to 3.34% and 12.81 to 15.38%, respectively. Gas chromatographic analysis showed that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were dominant lipids in mussels (37.56 to 41.08%), followed by monounsaturated (MUFAs) (30.52 to 38.31%) and saturated (SFAs) (21.89 to 29.45%) fatty acids. Fatty acid profiles were investigated and revealed high contents of n-3 PUFAs and high n-3/n-6 ratios in all mussels from Montenegro In the mussel samples high concentrations of K, Mg, Ca, and Na, and much lower concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu were found. Some of toxic elements (As, Pb, Hg and Cd) were determined also.. The qualitative sensory assessment showed that all mussels were acceptable. All mussels in the current study achieved scores of 3 or more out of 5 in the qualitative category. Data on biochemical composition and quality indices of the mussels cultured in the Boka Kotorska Bay demonstrated that these products could be accepted well by consumers and could compete with other currently available mussels from other locations in Adriatic Sea.

Non-targeted tourism affects the behavioural budgets of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the South Adriatic (Montenegro)

We investigated the short-term effects of non-targeted tourism on the behaviour of bottlenose dolphinsTursiops truncatusin the South Adriatic off the coast of Montenegro, by comparing dolphin group behaviour during impact (the presence of non-targeted tourism vessels) and control (absence of all marine vessels) scenarios. Tourism vessel and dolphin behavioural data were collected through systematic weekly land-based surveys. Using instantaneous focal ‘group’ scan sampling, the predominant behaviour of bottlenose dolphin groups was determined. To quantify the effect of vessel interactions on the behavioural budget of the dolphins, we followed a stepwise modelling approach. A first-order Markov chain was used to calculate the transition probabilities between behavioural states before a Monte Carlo simulation estimated the behavioural budgets of dolphins during impact and control situations. In the presence of non-targeted tourism, dolphins were found to be less likely to remain diving (during which dolphins were assumed to be feeding), whilst milling-socialising and surface feeding were completely absent from their behavioural repertoires. Nevertheless, the behavioural budgets demonstrated an increase in resting behaviour in the presence of non-targeted tourism vessels. No significant changes to travelling behaviour were observed. The decrease in foraging behaviour (both surface feeding and diving) could result in a reduction in energy intake for dolphins, which over time (assuming repeated disturbance) could negatively affect body condition, and ultimately survival and reproduction. Regulations on non-targeted tourism should therefore be considered to minimise potential long-term negative effects on dolphins within Montenegrin territorial waters.

Chemical Analysis of Selected Seaweeds and Seagrass from the Adriatic Coast of Montenegro

Three seaweeds (Halimeda tuna, Codium bursa and Cystoseira barbata) and one seagrass (Cymodocea nodosa) were collected from the Coast of Montenegro, Gulf of Boka Kotorska and their chemical analysis was performed. In seagrass C. nodosa, three phenolic compounds were identified (diosmetin 7-sulfate, caftaric and coutaric acid). The content of β-glucan, fatty acids, sterols and micro- and macro-elements were investigated among all samples. The highest content of β-glucan was detected in C. nodosa seagrass (13.04±0.42 g/100 g). The highest polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) level was reported in C. barbata, the brown alga (7.157 mg/g), which also had the significant sterol content (fucosterol, 21.76±0.1 μg/g). Green algae, C. bursa and H. tuna, showed the highest level of sterols (β-sitosterol, 95.21±0.16 μg/g and 73.90±0.08 μg/g, respectively). H. tuna had the highest content of calcium (Ca) in amount of 55125 μg/g. In C. bursa, C. barbata and C. nodosa, the Na/K ratio was low (0.43, 0.46 and 0.69, respectively).

Vitex agnus‐castus cannot be used as trap plant for the vector Hyalesthes obsoletus to prevent infections by ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ in northern Italian vineyards: Experimental evidence

AbstractBois noir (BN), the most prevalent disease of the grapevine yellows complex, causes considerable yield loss in vineyards. BN is associated with phytoplasma strains of the species ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ (taxonomic subgroup 16SrXII‐A). In Europe, the BN phytoplasma is transmitted to grapevine mainly by Hyalesthes obsoletus, a polyphagous cixiid completing its life cycle on stinging nettle and field bindweed. As a result of the complexity of BN epidemiology, no effective control strategies have been developed. In previous studies conducted in the eastern Mediterranean coast of Israel, chaste tree (Vitex agnus‐castus) was found to be the preferred host plant of H. obsoletus but did not harbour BN phytoplasma. Thus, a ‘push and pull’ strategy was suggested based on the fact that chaste tree plants located at vineyard borders was an effective trap plant for H. obsoletus adults. However, in other studies carried out in the eastern Adriatic coast of Montenegro, chaste tree was found to be a key source plant for BN phytoplasma transmission to grapevine. This study aimed to investigate (i) the interaction between chaste tree and H. obsoletus through survival, attractiveness and oviposition experiments conducted comparing the behaviour of H. obsoletus in chaste tree versus stinging nettle and grapevine and (ii) the capability of chaste tree to harbor ‘Ca. P. solani’ in northern Italy through transmission trials. H. obsoletus adults were found to survive on chaste tree and grapevine over a 1 week period and prefer chaste tree to grapevine. Moreover, H. obsoletus produced eggs and overwintered as nymphs on chaste tree, even if at a lesser extent than on stinging nettle. H. obsoletus originating from nettle was found able to transmit ‘Ca. P. solani’ to chaste tree (2 plants of 16 were found infected by the BN phytoplasma strain St5 identified in H. obsoletus specimens). These results increased our knowledge about the role of Vitex agnus‐castus as host plant of H. obsoletus and BN phytoplasma in northern Italy and do not recommend considering chaste tree as trap plant at vineyard borders.

Overview of fruit flies important for fruit production on the Montenegro seacoast

Description of the subject. Fruit flies are a large group of pests belonging to the order Diptera. The family Tephritidae is one of two fly families referred to as “fruit flies”. Tephritidae (true fruit flies) represent one of the largest families of flies and are part of a group of the most destructive agricultural pests in the world, attacking a wide range of fruits and fleshy vegetables. The other fruit fly family is the Drosophilidae, often called “vinegar flies”. There are also fly species from other Diptera families that attack the fruits of agricultural crops. Objectives. Due to its favorable geographic position and Mediterranean climate, the Montenegro seacoast is suited to fruit and vegetable production. The aim of this study was to make an inventory of the fruit fly species affecting fruit crops on the Montenegro seacoast. Method. The study area was 300 km along the Montenegro coast. Different types of traps (lure attractants, pheromone, and yellow sticky traps) were used for the monitoring, detection and recording of the spread of fruit flies in the area. Results. From an economic point of view, the most important species of fruit flies recorded were the Bactrocera oleae Gmel. and Ceratitis capitata Wiedem. Rhagoletis cerasi L. and Carpomya vesuviana Costa were also found to be present. Although several specimens of Rhagoletis cingulata Loew were detected in 2013-2014, this species has not, to date, been considered as established in the area of study. After the first detection of Drosophila suzukii Matsumura in 2013, this fruit fly was found to spread rapidly, and its presence is now observed along the whole Montenegro seacoast. One of the fruit fly species recorded, Silba adipata McAlpine, is considered to be one of the most destructive pests for fig production in Montenegro. Conclusions. Of seven species recorded in the study, five belonged to the family Tephritidae, and one each to Drosophilidae and Lonchaeidae.

Influence of Environmental Conditions on Norovirus Presence in Mussels Harvested in Montenegro.

This study comprises the first systematic survey of the occurrence of Norovirus in Mediterranean mussels from harvesting areas in Montenegro coast of Adriatic Sea. Mussels may accumulate contaminants of public health concern, including pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Microbiological monitoring of harvesting areas is based on count of Escherichia coli in bivalve molluscs in the European Union. It is assumed that E. coli does not reflect contamination with enteric viruses. A structured field study was undertaken at six locations in Bay of Kotor, Montenegro, in order to investigate plausible influence of environmental factors on the variability of E. coli and norovirus (NoV). From July 2015 to July 2016, a total of 72 samples of mussels were collected in coastal harvesting areas of the Montenegro. The samples were screened for NoV of genogroups GI and GII using reverse transcription-qPCR (RT-qPCR). There were 43% NoV positive samples with higher presence of genogroup GII (74.2%). With regard to influence of environmental conditions on Norovirus presence, we have proved seasonal pattern of virus occurrence i.e., the largest number of positive samples was noticed during winter, while other physico-chemical factors were not of great significance. It was found that count of E. coli did not correlate with Norovirus prevalence. From the aspect of food safety, an upgrade of monitoring plans could lead to obtaining safer products.

Distribution of rare Cystoseira species along the Montenegro coast (South-Eastern Adriatic Sea)

Background and purpose: Multiple studies have shown that Cystoseira species are sensitive to anthropogenic impact, and a decrease in their populations was observed, especially close to urban areas. To better understand status of such endangered and protected species, we studied the distribution of six rare Cystoseira species along the Montenegro coast: C. compressa subsp. pustulata, C. crinita, C. crinitophylla, C. sauvageauana, C. sqarrosa and C. tamariscifolia.Materials and methods: The study is based on field researches conducted through snorkelling and scuba diving along the Montenegrin coast during the period 1998-2009. In addition to the field work, we examined the published data for these species and the unpublished data from prof. Boris Antolić’s field diary.Results: Based on our 12-year-long investigations, we concluded that C. compressa subsp. pustulata, C. crinita, C. crinitophylla and C. sqarrosa are rare and endangered species along the Montenegro coast.Conclusions: The published data for C. sauvageauana is likely mistaken due to incomplete and poorly conserved algal material, while regarding the reference for C. tamariscifolia should be checked if the collected sample was preserved. Furthermore, we noted that the habitat destruction and the proliferation of sea urchin populations have the most dramatic negative impact on the biocenosis formed by such rare and endangered Cystoseira species.

Distribution of rare Cystoseira species along the Montenegro coast (South-Eastern Adriatic Sea)

Background and purpose: Multiple studies have shown that Cystoseira species are sensitive to anthropogenic impact, and a decrease in their populations was observed, especially close to urban areas. To better understand status of such endangered and protected species, we studied the distribution of six rare Cystoseira species along the Montenegro coast: C. compressa subsp. pustulata, C. crinita, C. crinitophylla, C. sauvageauana, C. sqarrosa and C. tamariscifolia. Materials and methods: The study is based on field researches conducted through snorkelling and scuba diving along the Montenegrin coast during the period 1998-2009. In addition to the field work, we examined the published data for these species and the unpublished data from prof. Boris Antolic’s field diary. Results: Based on our 12-year-long investigations, we concluded that C. compressa subsp. pustulata, C. crinita, C. crinitophylla and C. sqarrosa are rare and endangered species along the Montenegro coast. Conclusions: The published data for C. sauvageauana is likely mistaken due to incomplete and poorly conserved algal material, while regarding the reference for C. tamariscifolia should be checked if the collected sample was preserved. Furthermore, we noted that the habitat destruction and the proliferation of sea urchin populations have the most dramatic negative impact on the biocenosis formed by such rare and endangered Cystoseira species.

Biological activities of two macroalgae from Adriatic coast of Montenegro

In the present investigation the acetone extracts of macroalgae Ulva lactuca and Enteromorpha intestinalis were tested for antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring the scavenging capacity of tested samples on DPPH and superoxide anion radicals, reducing the power of samples and determination of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds in extracts. As a result of the study, U. lactuca extract was found to have a better free radical scavenging activity (IC50=623.58μg/ml) than E. intestinalis extract (IC50=732.12μg/ml). Moreover, the tested extracts had effective ferric reducing power and superoxide anion radical scavenging. The total content of phenol in extracts of U. lactuca and E. intestinalis was 58.15 and 40.68μgPE/mg, while concentrations of flavonoids were 39.58 and 21.74μgRE/mg, respectively. Furthermore, among the tested species, extracts of U. lactuca showed a better antimicrobial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 0.156 to 5mg/ml, but it was relatively weak in comparison with standard antibiotics. Bacillus mycoides and Bacillus subtilis were the most susceptible to the tested extracts. Contrary to this Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium purpurescens were the most resistant. Finally, cytotoxic activity of tested extracts was evaluated on four human cancer cell lines. Extract of E. intestinalis expressed the stronger cytotoxic activity towards all tested cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 74.73 to 155.39μg/ml.

Employment Policy and the Labor Mobility in the Western Balkans

Industrial capitalism created major changes in society and in the demand for workforce through industrialization and urbanization. This greatly influenced on the movement of large number of workers in global proportions. But, it’s a question whether entering the European Union of state candidates will make the same move? With the entry of central European countries into the EU, Bulgarians, Romanians wandered into westward in a big number. Will the entry of Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia into the EU cause the same situation? How will their social mobility be? Croatia has at least 20,000 qualified tourism workers for the next summer season in the Adriatic Sea: Cooks, waiters, builders who can choose works as well as working conditions in the new EU member. The coast of Montenegro, a collection of world businessmen and rich people, calls for some 3,000 workers from Macedonia only. All Western Balkan countries, after the shock of transition, slowly are recovering and intentions and measures to reduce the number of workers in employment offices are rising. Macedonia claims that unemployment has decreased to 29 % in the contrast to 21 % in Serbia and Bosnia, and Kosovo Albania still have high figures. But, will public employment policies and a range of measures, among which the most common are employment under temporary contracts, reducing unemployment among young people, women, social cases, of handicapped people yield results? According to these logics of employment policy and the labor movement and the labor market, i.e. changes in the labor market, the logic is imposed when will Western Balkan countries join the EU and replaces the labor force with workers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh of Eritrea? Through these statistical indicators and various data - Interpretation of them will elaborate this phenomenon which is quite important for the reality in post-communist Western Balkan DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2014.v3n6p333

Radioactivity in Montenegro beach sands and assessment of the corresponding environmental risk

Activity concentrations of the naturally occurring radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and anthropogenic 137Cs in sand samples collected from 20 renowned beaches on the Coast of Montenegro have been determined using an HPGe (high purity Ge spectrometer). The average activity concentrations were found to be 7.4, 5.2, 97.3 and 0.5 Bq kg−1, respectively. For all sand samples, the radium equivalent activity has been evaluated and found to be lower than the limit of 370 Bq kg−1. External and internal hazard indices were less than unity. The gonadal dose equivalent was estimated to be on average 75 μSv y−1, which is about four times lower than the global average for soil (0.3 mSv y−1). Calculated values of absorbed dose rates showed the range from 3.1 to 28 nGy h−1, which is below the world median of average values (57 nGy h−1). The effective dose rate in the range from 3.8 to 34.4 μSv y−1 was significantly below the recommended limit value for the public (1 mSv y−1). The highest dose rate was found for the Velika Plaza locality, which also showed heavy metal contents (As, B, Cd, Hg, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn and Ba) significantly higher than in the sand from Jaz, a locality with one of the lowest dose rates.

Human resources in sports and recreational tourism in Montenegro coast: Situation and perspectives

A significant role of employees in the development of the sports and recreational tourism has been confirmed many times in developed tourist destinations. In this sense, this paper, as its current and relevant topic, analyzes the socio-demographic structure of the employees in tourism and sports centres as well as sports and recreational organizations within the hotels in Montenegro coast, and the position of the employees within these organizations. Special elements of the study are perceptions of the respondents’ needs for education and training of the personnel, and their views and suggestions for improving the development of sports and recreational tourism.