New Life in the Sea: Juvenile Fan Mussels Discovered Again at Debeli rtič
Researchers from the Marine Biology Station Piran have discovered three live juvenile fan mussels (Pinna nobilis) in the Debeli rtič Landscape Park. As one of the most endangered bivalve species in the Mediterranean, the discovery is encouraging while also highlighting the importance of responsible visitor behaviour in protecting this fragile marine environment.
During fieldwork in the Debeli rtič Landscape Park, researchers from the Marine Biology Station Piran discovered three live juvenile fan mussels (Pinna nobilis). Due to the mass mortality event that has affected the species in recent years, the fan mussel is now one of the most endangered bivalve species in the Mediterranean. Every new sighting of juvenile individuals is therefore an important and encouraging development.
The newly discovered specimens measure between five and ten centimetres, indicating that they are approximately one year old. According to the researchers, their greatest challenge is surviving the first two years of life until they reach sexual maturity. At that point, a self-sustaining population can begin to recover. Researchers will continue to monitor their development closely.
In previous years, several juvenile fan mussels had already been observed in the Debeli rtič Landscape Park, but they did not survive for various reasons. Besides the vulnerability of young individuals, parasites and predators, human activities also pose a significant threat.
One of the main threats is anchoring, as anchors and anchor chains can damage the organisms living on the seabed. This is why it is particularly important for visitors to the Debeli rtič Landscape Park to follow the rules of conduct within the protected area. If you are navigating the area by boat, do not anchor within the seagrass meadows in the protected area and always follow the instructions indicated by the yellow buoys.
The discovery of these juvenile fan mussels once again highlights the important role of the Debeli rtič Landscape Park in preserving the natural heritage of the Slovenian Sea. Every visitor can contribute to its protection by respecting nature and behaving responsibly.
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