November the 22nd, 2024 – The only international fair of fisheries, fishing equipment, aquaculture and water sports in Croatia, Crofish, is ready for its first visitors, where more than 80 domestic and European exhibitors will be presented over the course of three days.
In the outdoor and indoor exhibition area of the Žatika Hall in Poreč, spanning a total size of 3,500 m2, visitors will be able to see a wide range of products and various solutions for fisheries and aquaculture, fishing equipment and tools, vessels, protective clothing, fishing and water sports equipment, as well as complete equipment for shellfish and fish farming.
All parts of this rich programme will undoubtedly contribute to the popularisation of fisheries products among the wider population and the tourist market. According to the latest available statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture, fish consumption is growing. Back in 2021, 22.9 kg of fish was consumed per capita in Croatia, and that figure is continuing to increase, while the average consumption of EU Member States is 24.4 kg.
At the same time, the total production in marine aquaculture in 2023 was 23,150 tonnes, with the increase in sea bream and sea bass leading the way. When it comes to freshwater fish, that sum stands at 3,700 tonnes, with the popular carp taking first place.
“The correct valorisation of maritime and fisheries is the motivation for launching the Crofish fair,” emphasised Robert Momić, president of the Chamber of Crafts of Istria County, and also the president of the organising committee of the Crofish fair.
“Given Croatia’s marine and river wealth, we’re pleased that numerous domestic exhibitors will be presenting products originating from aquaculture, and which are of top quality, at the Crofish fair. The affirmation of aquaculture and the promotion of fish production and consumption is extremely important, and every year in November, Crofish also contributes to this.
As the only fair dealing with fisheries, we organise it in order to bring visitors closer to the importance of the sea and rivers, as well as their proper protection. We also want to celebrate Croatia’s very rich fishing and maritime tradition, and the huge economic potential that this sector has”, said Momić at the opening of the 16th Crofish fair.
Entrance to the Crofish fair is free, and from the 22nd to the 24th of November, over 4,000 visitors from across Croatia and the immediate region are expected, during which all interested parties will be able to experience all aspects of Crofish – from professional to expert, educational, gastronomic and sporting.
As such, special attention is being paid to the educational part of the fair this year. Representatives of fisheries administrations and scientists from across Croatia, Slovenia, Italy and Montenegro will all discuss the state of the fisheries. They’ll also reveal more about the increasing impact of climate change on fish stocks, all with the aim of creating sustainable fisheries for future generations.
At the ceremonial opening of the 16th Crofish fair, the Mayor of the City of Poreč-Parenzo, Loris Peršurić, thanked the organisers for preparing yet another great edition.
“Poreč has once again proven to be a fabulous host and destination for large events like these. Our infrastructure, hall location and experience guarantee that everyone will receive the best service and be free to dedicate themselves to the work they came for. This year, the organisers have brought a lot of innovations and new things, not only in and around Žatika, but also on the Riva. We luckily also have a sunny autumn weekend ahead of us, which us ideal for exploring everything the Crofish fair has to offer,” said Peršurić.
In addition to the exhibition part of the Crofish fair, a cooking show will be held every day, where top chefs Gianpaulo Sardot, Emanuel Melon, Dean Gluhak & Milena d.o.o., Martin Vižintin, Martin Bukovac, Saša Pribičević, Marko Obradović, Kristijan Kovačević, as well as former Masterchef contestant Gaia Zec and Tuna show by Petar Stojković, will prepare traditional and modern fish and seafood dishes for visitors. They’ll work to simultaneously connecting continental and coastal Croatia.
As for the part of the fair is dedicated to freshwater fish specialities, the Đurđenovac Sports Fishing Association will prepare the most famous representative of freshwater fish, carp, according to the traditional recipe from eastern Croatia.
In addition to the indoor and outdoor areas of the Žatika hall, Crofish will also extend out to the area of the former Customs Pier on the Poreč waterfront. There, visitors will be able to visit and view several different types of vessels and talk to their crews. The fair also offers a children’s corner and educational – creative workshops with animators, as well as free trial dives in the heated pool in front of Žatika.
In the waters in front of Poreč there will be a sailing regatta and competitions in angling from an anchored boat. That will involve angling for juniors with a rod from the shore, and hunting for marine predators with live bait and lures. In addition to sporting and gastronomic events, visitors can also expect more than ten professional lectures.
The Crofish fair is otherwise being organised by the Association of Craftsmen of the Buje Region – Umag, with the support of the Chamber of Crafts of Istria County, the City of Poreč-Parenzo, Istria County, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure, the Ministry of the Interior and the Croatian Chamber of Crafts.
The Crofish fair can be visited on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00, and on Sunday from 20:00 until 18:00. For more information, click here. The Crofish fair is co-financed with the EU funds from the programme for fisheries and aquaculture, measure IV.3 “Putting fishery and aquaculture products on the market” of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
