Impact of COVID-19 on Croatian mariculture: Findings from the first national surveys

An overview of the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mariculture industry of the republic of Croatia is provided. An initial online survey was circulated early after the onset of the pandemic and a follow-up field survey was performed a year into the pandemic. The surveyed companies varied in size (micro to medium enterprises), location (north, central and southern coast) and cultured organism (European flat oyster, Mediterranean mussel, European sea bass, Gilthead sea bream and/or Bluefin tuna) and were asked questions on the subject of economic and job losses, aquaculture supply chain processes and implemented or proposed measures for mitigation of negative effects. Results from the online survey showed higher economic loss than job loss, but companies reported increased job loss in the period leading to the field survey. Most companies reported reductions in sales and avenues of procurement, which, in addition to direct stressors, indirectly affected business processes. Micro enterprises fared well due to their part-time nature, low capital investments and running costs, while small to medium enterprises were under the most pressure. Large enterprises were barely affected as they had secure local and/or international distribution chains and dominated the market. Producers most affected were those that relied on the HoReCa market for product placement and/or had difficulty coping with existing stressors. Bivalve producers generally experienced a higher drop in sales than finfish farms and companies with specialized production were not able to adapt to market changes to the degree that more versatile businesses seemed capable of.