Conservation and welfare challenges in one of Europe's most biodiverse semi-enclosed seas
The Adriatic Sea, bordered by Italy and the Balkan Peninsula, supports rich marine biodiversity including bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, Adriatic sturgeon, and extensive fish communities. Welfare concerns arise from intensive fishing, pollution, boat traffic, and climate-driven changes to this shallow, semi-enclosed basin.
Fishing practices including bottom trawling cause significant suffering and mortality to non-target species. Entanglement in nets and longlines causes prolonged suffering for turtles and dolphins before drowning.
The Mediterranean Action Plan and regional agreements between Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and Albania coordinate Adriatic protection. Marine Protected Areas now cover approximately 8% of Adriatic waters, though enforcement remains inconsistent. Turtle rescue centers in Italy and Croatia rehabilitate hundreds of injured animals annually.
Rising water temperatures are shifting species distributions and altering prey availability. Jellyfish blooms have increased, competing with fish for zooplankton. Ocean acidification threatens shellfish and the broader food web supporting dolphins and seabirds.