Unprecedented die-off of mussels hits Bay of Mali Ston

Mussel farm in Bay of Mali Ston (Photo: Modzzak/Public domain)

An unprecedented mass die-off of mussels is occurring in the Bay of Mali Ston, which is enclosed by the Pelješac peninsula and the mainland in Croatia, HRT has reported.

Shellfish farmers attribute this to high sea temperatures. Since yesterday morning, they have been inspecting their sites to assess the damage, which preliminary estimates suggest is nearly 80 percent in the Bay of Brijesta, known for its extensive shellfish production.

The Lazić brothers, who have been farming mussels on about ten hectares, have lost nearly ninety percent of their stock.

“This is an unprecedented disaster. We have been in this business for 25 years, our whole lives, and generations before us. I have never heard of anything like this,” Zdravko Lazić told HRT.

Mussel Mortality Due to Unprecedented Sea Heat?

Shellfish farmers suspect the extreme sea heat, unprecedented in this area, is to blame.

We recorded temperatures of 29.6 degrees Celsius. I am sure it reached over 30 degrees at times,” said Vicko Lazić.

From yesterday morning, desperate farmers have been at various locations in Brijesta. They say the oysters are holding on, but the mussels are dying.

“I don’t know what to do. My sales have completely dropped, and I’m going on unpaid leave. What should I do now?” lamented Ivica Baćina.

“When you see how it was, it was – God save us. Dead mussels everywhere, you don’t know what to do. You pull out fifty kilos, and you have maybe ten or fifteen left. You just don’t know,” said Mila Prlaguzić.

Mussels from Mali Ston Bay are renowned

The Bay of Bistrina Remains Unaffected, Possibly Due to Springs

Farmers in the Bay of Bistrina and neighbouring coves report no mortality in their areas. They are monitoring the situation closely.

A specialist explains that a veterinary inspector needs to analyse everything and discusses the impact of freshwater springs in the Bistrina area, which may have had a favourable effect on the shellfish, unlike in Brijesta.

Ston (Photo: László Szalai/Public domain)

“It is believed to be around 11 degrees Celsius. When a certain amount of freshwater at that temperature comes in, it cools the area, especially in deeper layers, reducing the risk from high temperatures. But these are all speculations,” said Dr Ana Bratoš Cetinić from the Department of Applied Ecology at the University of Dubrovnik.

Shellfish Farmers Turning Away Customers, Hoping for Southern Winds to Cool the Sea

Shellfish farmers have been turning away customers. They insist on selling only healthy food and do not want to cover anything up.

“You tell people the situation, and that’s it. If we’re lucky, there will be deliveries in August. If not, there won’t be any until further notice, and that’s just how it is,” said farmer Antonio Prlaguzić.

They speak optimistically: “We will survive.” They admit they have never hoped more for southern winds to cool the sea.