Sustainability of shellfish aquaculture in Montenegro-perspectives

Abstract

Shellfish for human consumption is produced in excess of 15 million tons per year, accounting for roughly 14% of global marine aquaculture, with China being the largest producer (89% of world production). However, in the previous two decades, shellfish output in the European Union has been dropping. This review provides information about shellfish aquaculture in Montenegro, in Boka Kotorska Bay, where most farms belong to the group of small farms. Shellfish production in this bay is constantly increasing. Thus, with minor deviations, the production of shellfish increased from 156 tonnes, as was produced in 2012, to 246 tonnes produced in 2020. However, despite the constant growth of production, statistical data indicate that every year a large amount of shellfish is imported, and there is a need for greater production in the country. The shellfish production capacity in Montenegro is still lower than expected, despite the great potential for development. Aquaculture’s development potential is in the areas of increasing production, modernising existing farms, automating production, strengthening the competitiveness and efficiency of the sector, introducing new species, better linking aquaculture with tourism and processing, marine spatial planning, promoting aquaculture products and branding products.