Following the spring fieldwork, all collected samples have now been processed in the lab. Expert associate Niko Bujas performed microscopic analysis of all the samples, while PhD student Luka Žuvić completed the preparation for molecular analysis. The samples will soon be sent for sequencing, providing us with the necessary data to begin drafting a new scientific paper.
In collaboration with the Tourist Board of Split-Dalmatia County and the I Explore project, the I Love the Sea children’s festival was held across four coastal towns: Sutivan on the island of Brač, Omiš, Stobreč, and Grohote on the island of Šolta. At each event, we presented the POPOyster project and educated children about the differences between the native European flat oyster and the invasive Pacific oyster.
This spring served as a prime season for oyster larvae sampling. As part of the POPOyster project and in collaboration with the RIBAR project, we carried out four field research campaigns along the western coast of Istria. Sampling was conducted at 20 stations, where we collected plankton samples for microscopic and molecular analysis, as well as CTD profiles, to gain a detailed understanding of oyster larvae distribution during the peak of the spring spawning season.
In collaboration with City Library Marko Marulić, and as part of the I Explore project, the project leader held a popular science lecture titled “Did you know that oysters are not just a delicacy, but also a vital part of a healthy marine ecosystem?”. During the lecture, she presented the POPOyster project through its completed and planned activities, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives for the preservation of oysters in the Adriatic Sea and their crucial role in maintaining marine environmental health.
We conducted ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) research at selected stations along the western coast of Istria, a region where the native oyster (Ostrea edulis) was once highly abundant. While the footage still needs to be thoroughly analyzed, preliminary findings are, unfortunately, not as promising as we had hoped. The results of this short survey, combined with data on oyster abundance in this area over the past 15 years, are being prepared for a scientific publication.
PhD student Ratko Cvitanić successfully defended his seminar as part of the Doctoral Study of Oceanology at the University of Zagreb. His doctoral research will be conducted within the framework of the POPOYSTER project. Congratulations to Ratko on this milestone and best of luck in his future research!
During the European Researchers’ Night in Split, the POPOYSTER project was showcased to the public. Interested visitors had the opportunity to learn more about the importance of the native oyster, Ostrea edulis, and to explore the morphological differences between the native species and the introduced Crassostrea gigas.
A workshop was held at Kostrena Primary School for sixth-grade students. During the session, we introduced the students to various marine ecosystems, highlighting the organisms within them and their roles. The workshop also emphasized the importance of biodiversity conservation and the restoration of damaged habitats, aiming to raise awareness among the younger generation about protecting our marine environment.
The Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (IOF) recently hosted representatives from Eurofish, an international non-profit organization that supports the development of fisheries and aquaculture in Europe. During the visit, IOF scientists presented our current projects and shared the results of our work. This meeting also served as an opportunity to strengthen future cooperation. Additionally, the visit will be the basis for a short article in Eurofish Magazine, with the next issue focusing on Croatia.
The POPOYSTER Project is now listed as an initiative on the Native Oyster Restoration Alliance (NORA) webpage. NORA focuses on the protection and ecological restoration of the native European oyster (Ostrea edulis) and its habitat within its current or historical range. This listing reflects POPOYSTER’s involvement in the ongoing efforts to restore native oyster populations in European waters.
Last week, we went on a short expedition for the POPOyster project to study the distribution of European flat oyster along the western coast of Istria, extending over 12 NM offshore. We analyzed the distribution and abundance of Ostrea edulis at over 30 sites. In addition to oysters, we examined other species in the area. We were lucky to have good weather for two out of the three days, although the first day had us thinking we might all need seasickness pills!
Sample collection for monitoring the reproductive cycle of oysters is progressing according to schedule. Monthly samples are collected as planned, processed in the laboratory, and analyzed. New samples will be in the lab soon. This data, along with information on reproductive biology gathered in previous years, will offer valuable insights into the reproductive biology of this species in the Adriatic Sea.
The PI of the POPOyster project, Daria Ezgeta Balić, recently took part in a consortium meeting for the CLIMAREST project held at Ifremer in Brest from April 15th to 17th. During this event, she had the chance to interact with many researchers that work towards a common goal: restoring habitats that have faced degradation over the years. European oyster reefs are among the habitats in focus. This occasion provided a wonderful platform to introduce the POPOyster project and engage in discussions with experts from Brest known for their extensive experience in oyster reef restoration.
At the Adriatic Mariculture conference, doctoral student Ratko Cvitanić, who will be conducting his doctoral research as part of the POPOyster project, presented the study results that formed the basis for the project. He also presented the aim of POPOyster project. The conference was organized by the University of Zadar in Zadar on April 8, 2024.
The POPOyster kick-off meeting took place on March 28th. During the meeting, all project activities were presented, and a plan for the first year was outlined. Several new ideas were also introduced. The meeting was conducted in a cheerful atmosphere, as depicted in the photos, and we anticipate that the implementation will proceed with the same positivity and enthusiasm.
Some team members have previously collaborated on the project COCOA - “Competition between native Ostrea edulis and invasive Crassostrea gigas oysters in the Adriatic Sea – effects on the ecosystem, fisheries, and aquaculture, funded by the Unity through Knowledge Fund and the World Bank. Within the COCOA project, the focus was on the interactions between the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas and the native species Ostrea edulis. The project involved extensive field and laboratory work, resulting in published papers on the distribution, abundance, and aspects of genetics, reproduction, and feeding ecology of these oysters.
Today marks the official start of the POPOyster project. This collaborative initiative unites scientists from five institutions across Europe, all dedicated to investigating the natural populations of European flat oysters. Their combined efforts seek to deepen their understanding of these populations, with the ultimate aim of protecting and developing effective management plans for the conservation of their habitats, which are gradually vanishing across Europe.
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