Smart Shell Farm "Šibenka" Opened in Martinska Bay

The research pilot site Smart Shell Farm "Šibenka" was opened on Monday in Martinska Bay near Šibenik, with a launch and presentation of its technological functionalities.

“With this infrastructure, we will provide the scientific community and business people with a space for research, innovation and cooperation, which we hope will create conditions for a more sustainable and competitive marine culture sector. The goal is to develop farming models that are more efficient and environmentally friendly and transfer them to the local and international level,” said the Director of the MARBLE Center of Excellence, Prof. Dr. Nikola Mišković.

The Smart Shell Farm is an innovative research platform for the development of sustainable marine culture, developed in cooperation with DIH AgriFood Croatia and the Ruđer Bošković Institute. Equipped with modern sensors, cameras, sonar and a remotely operated underwater vehicle, the platform enables continuous data collection and exchange in real time. It also contributes to the development of smart solutions for the sustainable management of marine resources, with minimal impact on the environment. The infrastructure of the smart farm consists of a permanently anchored research platform, a pontoon with cages and a raft with lines for mussel farming.

The platform will enable the testing and development of technologies and methods in the field of sustainable marine culture, primarily environmental monitoring, optimization of mussel growth and improvement of sea quality. The central part consists of a facility with an office and a workshop.

The construction project is financed under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan for the period 2021-2026.

Two more pilot sites are being implemented as part of the project: the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Proving Ground in Šibenik and the Smart Marina in Rijeka. Together, the three pilot sites will form an integrated research infrastructure for the development and testing of advanced maritime technologies, autonomous systems and innovative solutions for sustainable management of the marine environment.

Source: HRT