After a recent storm in the Velebit Channel off the coast of Croatia, the spread of Atlantic salmon is observed. This species of ray-finned fish is not typical for the Adriatic Sea. Fishermen, whose nets began to catch salmon, initially mistook them for trout. However, experts from the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries identified the unusual catch as large individuals of salmon, grown in artificial conditions.
Scientists are sounding the alarm, fearing a disruption of the ecological balance of the Adriatic. The fact is that salmon bred on farms poses a threat to the wild fish population. Being a predator, it actively destroys small fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and by interbreeding with wild species, disrupts the genetic diversity of local populations. Moreover, the problem is salmon lice, which it награждает wild fish.
The Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries of Croatia has begun an investigation, trying to understand how Atlantic salmon got into the waters of the Adriatic Sea. It turned out that there are two farms off the coast of Dalmatia for breeding this valuable food fish. By law, female salmonids grown under controlled conditions must be sterile. So far, all salmon individuals caught in fishing nets comply with this rule, the regional fisheries inspection reported.
According to unofficial data, there are now from 200 to 250 units of salmon in the Velebit Channel that have left the place of artificial breeding. Fish farmers claim that their salmon cannot survive outside the farm. They also emphasize that the relevant authorities have been notified of the incident.
Scientists urge everyone who catches an alien species of salmon to report it in order to better control the spread of escaped individuals in the Adriatic.
Blogs
