Joint Testing and Networking Event held in Bistrina to advance sustainable IMTA practices
28/09/2025
On 24–25 September 2025, project partners met in Croatia for two days of coordinated activities in Bistrina, combining internal project coordination with field-based demonstration and stakeholder networking. On Wednesday, 24 September, partners gathered for a project meeting to review progress across pilot sites, align on upcoming steps, and strengthen cross-border coordination for the next implementation phase.
On Thursday, 25 September, activities continued at the University of Dubrovnik’s Mariculture Laboratory in Bistrina with the first Joint Testing Event, which started with institutional greetings and a welcome note by Prof. Kruno Bonačić, Head of the Mariculture Laboratory, followed by an update on IMTA implementation in Mali Ston Bay, including current progress and operational challenges. The field session then focused on presenting the experimental procedures for algae and bivalve cultivation at the Banja pilot site, allowing participants to observe how integrated multi-trophic aquaculture is being applied under real marine conditions
In the afternoon, the first Networking Event took place in the same venue, bringing together project partners and cross-border stakeholders from Croatia and Italy, including SMEs, research representatives, an environmental NGO, and a Fisheries Local Action Group. The programme included a thematic presentation on IMTA with a focus on algae–bivalve systems delivered by Prof. Kruno Bonačić, followed by Prof. Matteo Francavilla’s overview of European seaweed development perspectives. Partners presented the implementation of pilot actions in Gargano, Cattolica and Mali Ston Bay, highlighting expected environmental and economic benefits and the importance of shared monitoring approaches across sites. A dedicated contribution also emphasized the role of SMEs in supporting long-term uptake and market-oriented application of IMTA solutions.
The event concluded with networking session designed to support direct exchange, encourage collaboration, and create follow-up opportunities among participants interested in sustainable aquaculture and blue bioeconomy innovation.
