Green Hatchery Opens in Jagodno: A Milestone for Danube River Ecosystem Restoration

Jagodno, Croatia – March 31, The Green Hatchery has officially opened as part of the DaWetRest project. The nature-based solution is designed to support the restoration of the Danube floodplains through sustainable fish farming, focusing on the production of indigenous species to help restore the local aquatic ecosystem.

The inauguration event took place at the Velika Gorica Business Incubator, comprising a site visit to the hatchery, located next to the Ires Institute, which will oversee fish production and monitoring. The hatchery has been designed to breed native fish species in an environmentally responsible manner using renewable energy sources such as solar panels and heat pumps. The facility produces fish without causing any damage to the surrounding ecosystem. With an annual production capacity of 1,200 to 1,500 kilograms of fish, the hatchery will play a key role in supporting the biodiversity of the Danube.

During the event, the growing intersection between engineering and ecological restoration was emphasized, with the hatchery positioned as a key platform for advancing both fields. It will allow students and researchers to explore innovative technologies in aquaculture and ecosystem management, integrating digital tools, environmental data analysis, and climate modeling to drive sustainable restoration efforts in the Danube region.

The Green Hatchery received strong support from local, national, and European institutions, who recognized the hatchery’s potential to enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable fisheries in the Danube. Speakers emphasized the importance of blending scientific research with community involvement to achieve long-term environmental goals. Additionally, the nature-based solution was seen as a model for similar projects across Croatia and Europe, with its approach viewed as easily replicable in other regions facing similar ecological challenges.

Moving forward, the facility will expand its focus to include the breeding of endangered species and increase its capacity for sustainable fish farming. The hatchery is also a key component of the SWIM project, which aims to extend restoration efforts and support cross-border collaboration in the Danube basin.