08/06/2026
🌊 On World Oceans Day, we gathered in Piran for the Slovenia National Event, bringing together researchers, aquaculture professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders dedicated to protecting the Adriatic Sea and promoting its sustainable future. 🐚🦪
Throughout the day, participants explored a wide range of topics shaping the future of mussel farming and marine conservation.
🔹 Diana Rico (YouSea Institute) presented the TEAMFORADRIS project and the Slovenian pilot site.
🔹 Adla Kahrić (Univerzitet u Sarajevu) shared field observations on mussel populations in Neum and the importance of engaging their local community.
🔹 Andreja Ramšak (NIB National Institute of Biology, Slovenia) highlighted the role of mussel culture as an ecosystem service under threat.
🔹 Ricardo Lopez Alonso (Universidad de Oviedo - UniOvi) introduced participants to Postenterogonia orbicularis, a silent predator affecting mussel populations.
🔹 Katarina Pavlin (Veterinarska fakulteta Univerze v Ljubljani) presented pathological findings in mussels from a veterinary perspective.
🔹 Manca Kovač Viršek (NIB) addressed the issue of microplastics and mussels.
🔹 Matija Bumbak (Platforma 22 za razvoj i investicije) showcased sustainable shellfish farming solutions in practice.
The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring Irena Fonda (Fonda Fish Farm, YouSea Institute), Mitja Petrič (local mussel farmer), Borut Kozi (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food) and Rosvita Sitar from the Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana). Moderated by Andreja Ramšak (NIB), the discussion highlighted the importance of cooperation between science, industry and public institutions in tackling the challenges facing our marine ecosystems. 🗣️
Thank you to all speakers and participants for making this World Oceans Day a meaningful opportunity to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and work towards a healthier and more sustainable Adriatic Sea. 💙
---
The event was organized by the YouSea Institute. The activities of the TEAMFORADRIS project are co-financed by the European Union within the framework of the Interreg IPA ADRION program.