Fisheries and aquaculture are strategically important sectors in Croatia and important factors in preventing a population decline in island communities, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said at a conference on fisheries in the central Adriatic city of Sibenik on Monday.

The conference, taking place on Monday and Tuesday, is being attended by representatives of ministries and institutions relevant for the sea and fisheries sectors and the scientific community.

The event was opened by Plenkovic who said that the fisheries strategy was a branch of industry, a pillar of the economy in coastal Croatia and an important development factor in all coastal counties.

Plenkovic said the conference would focus on what is the most important for the present and future of Croatia’s fisheries, namely sustainability. “Primarily, this means responsible management of fish stocks, the preservation of the marine environment and a fair distribution of resources. Fisheries as a branch of the economy is very important for the island population. It employs approximately 12,000 people and is one of the main factors that prevent the depopulation of island communities,” Plenkovic said.

According to the figures presented at the conference, Croatia’s fishing fleet comprises more than 200 vessels, and the industry directly employs over 1,400 people. There are another 3,300 people in the fish processing industry. The country also has a fleet of 350 trawlers. Total annual production in aquaculture (freshwater and saltwater) amounts to over 17,000 tonnes, worth EUR 100 million.

Agriculture Minister Tomislav Tolusic said there was no alternative to the sustainability of fisheries.

The event was also attended by Defence Minister Damir Krsticevic and Sibenik-Knin County Prefect Goran Pauk.