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An Overview of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Farming Sustainability in the Mediterranean with Special Regards to the Republic of Croatia

Author

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  • Gorana Jelić Mrčelić

    (Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 37, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Vedrana Nerlović

    (Department of Marine Studies, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 37, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Merica Slišković

    (Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 37, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Ivana Zubak Čižmek

    (Department of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture, University of Zadar, Trg kneza Višeslava 9, 23000 Zadar, Croatia)

Abstract

Atlantic bluefin tuna ( Thunnus thynnus) is the most important tuna species in Mediterranean tuna fishery and a valuable commodity on the global fish market. Croatia is a pioneer in tuna farming in the Mediterranean and the only country that has the exclusive right to farm wild-caught juvenile tuna (8 to 30 kg). This paper identifies key challenges to the sustainability of current farming and fattening practices, primarily economic and environmental, and possible solutions to overcome these challenges. This paper analyses data on tuna catch and aquaculture production (FAO FishStatJ and EU-Eurostat database) and updates the latest literature on farming practices, production challenges related to biotechnical, economic and environmental issues, the market and current legislation in Croatia, as well as fattening in other Mediterranean countries. Tuna capture-based aquaculture is attractive to investors because it promises high returns, but the sustainability of intensive tuna farming and fattening is questionable and raises many ethical issues. Tuna farming and fattening relies on wild fish for stocking and feeding, and further expansion of tuna farming and fattening is limited by the size of wild tuna and small fish populations. To meet the growing global demand for tuna and to conserve wild tuna stocks, further investments are needed. The knowledge gained in Croatian tuna farming is valuable for future sustainable close-cycled tuna farming in the Mediterranean. Due to its good environmental status, the availability of small pelagic fish, the availability of a highly qualified and well-organised labour force, the good cooperation between producers and researchers, and the application of modern farming technologies, ABFT farmed in Croatia have high quality and a good reputation on the market. The main weakness of Croatian tuna farming is that the entire industry is dependent on the Japanese market, but this can be overcome by the possibility of product diversification for new markets, including the tourism industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Gorana Jelić Mrčelić & Vedrana Nerlović & Merica Slišković & Ivana Zubak Čižmek, 2023. "An Overview of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Farming Sustainability in the Mediterranean with Special Regards to the Republic of Croatia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:4:p:2976-:d:1060040
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sumaila, Ussif Rashid & Huang, Ling, 2012. "Managing Bluefin Tuna in the Mediterranean Sea," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 502-511.
    2. Garibaldi, Luca, 2012. "The FAO global capture production database: A six-decade effort to catch the trend," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(3), pages 760-768.
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    1. Rosas-Munoz, Juan & Espinola-Arredondo, Ana & Munoz-Garcia, Felix, 2024. "When should the regulator be left alone in the commons? How fishing cooperatives can help ameliorate inefficiencies," Resource and Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    2. Maria B. Forleo & Nadia Palmieri, 2023. "Environmental Attributes of Wild versus Farmed Tuna: Beliefs, Knowledge and Purchasing Choices of Italian Consumers of Canned Tuna," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-21, April.

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