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Sardines are seen in a net cast by a fishing boat on September 11, 2023 in the Adriatic Sea. “Ferdo”, a 28-meter family owned fishing boat leaves its base in the town of Povlja on Croatia's Brac island only on moonless nights, during the so-called fishing darkness. A dozen strong crew searches under the sun-drenched Adriatic waves of Croatia for a hidden treasure – the Adriatic sardine. “Ferdo” is one of about 350 similar vessels in this Mediterranean country. Croatia, with its 1,244 islands and pristine waters, boasts a sardine-rich ecosystem that has sustained generations of fishermen. This small, sustainable fish plays a pivotal role in the Adriatic food chain, with over 60% of its diet consisting of zooplankton and small fish, making it a keystone species in the region. The fisheries sector is traditionally an important sector in Croatia. The country's coastline, being the second largest in the Adriatic Sea, underpins the importance of Croatia's maritime and fisheries policy. Tradition, knowledge and new technologies shall play a significant role in the sustainability and added value of the sector. The Croatian fishing industry is export-oriented. 3 billion people rely on the ocean and sea for food, while 58.5 million people across the world are employed in the fishing industry or related jobs. (Photo by Damir Sagolj/Getty Images)
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