Smart shellfish farm opened in Šibenik

(Photo: Grad Šibenik)

ŠIBENIK, 16 June 2026 – A new pilot facility designed to support sustainable mariculture and marine technology development has been officially launched in Šibenik.

The “Smart Shellfish Farm”, an innovative research platform developed by the MARBLE Centre of Excellence, was inaugurated on Monday at Martinska.

During the ceremony, the research platform was launched into the sea and officially named “Šibenka”, reflecting its connection to the city’s maritime heritage and local community.

The facility has been created as a modern research infrastructure for testing advanced technologies aimed at monitoring environmental conditions, optimising mussel growth and improving sea quality. Equipped with sensors, cameras, sonar systems and a remotely operated underwater vehicle, the platform enables continuous data collection and real-time information sharing.

(Photo: Grad Šibenik)

The opening ceremony brought together representatives from the scientific community, industry, local and regional authorities, as well as officials from Croatia’s Ministry of Science, Education and Youth.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Mayor of Šibenik Danijel Mileta said the project demonstrates the value of cooperation between science, business and public institutions, adding that such initiatives contribute to both economic development and scientific advancement.

Šibenik-Knin County Prefect Paško Rakić highlighted the importance of mariculture for the local economy and stressed the need for continued investment and innovation within the sector.

(Photo: Grad Šibenik)

MARBLE Centre of Excellence Director Professor Nikola Mišković described the platform as a unique research infrastructure that strengthens Croatia’s position in the development of marine technologies. He noted that MARBLE is the first and only European Centre of Excellence in Croatia funded through the Horizon Europe programme.

According to Mišković, more than €30 million is being invested in people, equipment and infrastructure to help build a national ecosystem for marine robotics and advanced maritime technologies. The Smart Shellfish Farm in Šibenik forms part of a wider network of research sites intended to connect science, industry and the public sector while supporting the development of sustainable blue economy solutions.

(Photo: Grad Šibenik)

The project is financed through the European Union’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021–2026. Its objective is to develop smart solutions for the sustainable management of marine resources while minimising environmental impact.