Insight into Blue Economy: Study Visit to RZ Adria and NCP Charter in Tribunj – BLUESLINKS.

As part of the activities of the BLUESLINKS project, a study visit was organized on Monday, April 28th, for high school students who had previously participated in dissemination events related to the project. The aim of the visit was to deepen the students’ understanding of the Blue Economy through direct encounters with two key sectors in the region: fishing and nautical tourism. The visit included guided tours of the Fisheries Cooperative Adria (RZ Adria) in Tribunj and NCP Charter and Mare, two established players in their respective fields.

The first part of the visit took place at RZ Adria, a long-standing fishing cooperative specializing in sustainable catch and processing of fish from the Adriatic. Students received a detailed overview of the entire production chain, starting from the fishing process itself. They toured the cooperative’s vessels, where they learned about fishing methods, crew roles, duration of sea outings, and equipment used. Particular emphasis was placed on waste management at sea, including handling of accidentally caught waste—an important issue in the context of environmental protection in fishing. The visit continued with a tour of the production facility, where students saw the processes of cleaning and sorting the catch, visited cold storage and salting rooms, and learned about quality control procedures. This practical and comprehensive presentation of the “from sea to finished product” process made a strong impression on the students, many of whom were unaware of the complexity and sustainability aspects behind fish production. The visit provided concrete insights into the traditional sector of the Blue Economy, which is increasingly relying on innovations and added value.

The second part of the visit took place at NCP Charter and Mare, one of Croatia’s leading yacht charter companies. With a fleet of over 90 boats and a strong presence in the nautical tourism sector, NCP introduced students to their operational organization, the economic significance of chartering for the Croatian economy, types of boats, seasonal planning, and a wide range of professions—from skippers and service staff to administration and sustainability specialists. Special emphasis was placed on innovations in vessel maintenance, including the use of eco-friendly hull coatings replacing traditional copper-based antifouling agents, as well as advanced wastewater management systems on boats (grey and black water tanks). Although students were somewhat familiar with this sector, the presentation further expanded their understanding by focusing on sustainability and ecological practices.

Overall, the study visit successfully enriched students’ knowledge of the Blue Economy, providing concrete insights into professional practices and employment opportunities in the sector. Feedback indicates that the visit to RZ Adria was particularly interesting due to its practical and lesser-known content, while the NCP Charter segment confirmed existing knowledge and added new information about innovations and sustainability. This activity directly contributes to the goals of the BLUESLINKS project by promoting careers in the Blue Economy, raising environmental awareness, and strengthening the link between education and industry in cross-border coastal regions.

For more information and relevant events, visit the BLUESLINKS project website!

The BLUESLINKS project is co-financed through the Italy–Croatia Cross-Border Cooperation Program 2021–2027.