Croats eat 23 kg of fish annually, one and a half kilograms less than the average consumption of EU member states

The only international fair of fishing, fishing equipment, aquaculture and water sports in Croatia, crofish, is ready for the first visitors, where more than 80 national and European exhibitors will present themselves during the three days.

On the external and internal exhibition space of the Žatika hall in Poreč, with a total size of 3.500 m², visitors will see a wide range of products and various solutions for fishing and aquaculture, fishing equipment and tools, vessels, protective clothing, equipment for fishing and water sports, as well as complete equipment for breeding shellfish and fish. 

Recently, in an article, I emphasized how important it is Poreč's Žatika hall for pre- and post-season development in Poreč, which, as one of the key infrastructure facilities, is a training ground for a number of specialized business fairs, and thus a generator of new overnight stays. As in this case Crofish. 

The hall, which was certainly not only used for the World Handball Championship held in Croatia in 2009, but as one of the main infrastructural facilities is a lever for the sports and touristic growth of Poreč. 

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But let's go back to the fair of fishing, fishing equipment, aquaculture and water sports in Croatia, Crofish.

All parts of this rich program will certainly contribute to the popularization of fishery products for the population and the tourist market.

According to the latest statistics available from the Ministry of Agriculture, fish consumption is increasing, so in 2021, it was consumed in Croatia 22,9 kg of fish per capita, and continues to increase, while the average consumption EU member state 24,4 kg.

At the same time, the total production in marine aquaculture in 2023 amounted to 23.150 tons, with the leading growth of sea bream (sea bream) and sea bass (sea bass), while in freshwater it is 3.700 tons, and the first place is occupied by carp.

The correct valorization of seafaring and fishing is the motivation for starting the Crofish fair, he points out Robert Momić, president of the Chamber of Crafts of the Istrian County and president of the organizing committee of the fair.

"Considering our sea and river wealth, we are pleased that numerous local exhibitors with world-class aquaculture products are presenting themselves at the fair. Affirmation of aquaculture and promotion of fish production and consumption is extremely important, and every year in November, Crofish also gives its support. As the only fair that deals with fishing, we organize it to bring visitors closer to the importance of the sea and rivers and their protection, the rich fishing and maritime tradition, but also the economic potential that this sector has", says Momić at the opening of the 16th Crofish Fair.

Entrance to the fair is free, and from November 22 to 24, more than 4.000 visitors from Croatia and the region are expected, during which everyone interested will be able to experience all aspects of Crofish - from professional to expert, educational, gastronomic and sports.

This year, too, special attention was paid to the educational part, where representatives of fisheries administrations and scientists from Croatia, Slovenia, Italy and Montenegro will discuss the state of fisheries, but also the increasing impact of climate change on the fish stock, all with the aim of creating sustainable fisheries for future generations.

At the ceremonial opening of the new Crofish, the mayor of Poreč-Parenzo, Loris Peršurić, thanked the organizers for preparing another edition.

"Poreč once again proved to be an excellent host and destination for such large events. Our infrastructure, hall location and experience  they are a guarantee to every guest that they will receive the best service and devote themselves to the work for which they came. The organizers have brought a lot of innovations and novelties this year, not only in and around Žatika, but also on the Riva, and we have a sunny autumn weekend ahead of us, ideal for viewing everything the fair has to offer." said Peršurić. 

In addition to the exhibition part, a Cooking show is also held every day, where top chefs Gianpaulo Sardot, Emanuel Melon, Dean Gluhak & Milena doo, Martin Vižintin, Martin Bukovac, Saša Pribičević, Marko Obradović, Kristijan Kovačević, as well as a former candidate of the Masterchef show, Gaia Zec and Tuna show by Petar Stojković, to prepare traditional and modern fish and seafood dishes for visitors, combining continental and coastal Croatia at the same time.

Thus, part of the fair is dedicated to freshwater fish specialties, and the Sports Fishing Association Đurđenovac in Poreč will prepare the most famous representative of freshwater fish, carp, according to a traditional recipe from Slavonia-Baranja.

In addition to the indoor and outdoor space of the Žatika hall, Crofish also extends to the area of ​​the former Customs wharf on the Poreč waterfront, where 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 diving in the heated pool in front of Žatika, and a sailing regatta will be held in the water area in front of Poreč.  and competitions in angling from a moored boat, junior pole angling from the shore and predator hunting with live bait and lures. In addition to sports and gastronomic events, visitors can expect more than ten expert lectures.

The fair can be visited on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 19 p.m., or until Sunday at 18 p.m., and for more information, visit the official website www.crofish.eu. 

Photo: Manuel Paljuh