Croatia’s Only Fishing Vocational School Is on the Brink of Extinction!
Did you know Croatia has ONLY ONE fishing vocational high school program? Yes, just one! And now this unique program is at risk of disappearing forever!
Professor Marijana De Marchi from the Maritime School in Split has publicly appealed to Prime Minister Andrej Plenković to urgently save this program. Why? Because stopping enrollment threatens to permanently end the education of future fishermen and destroy Croatia’s rich fishing tradition.
This program is not just a school – it’s a treasure trove of knowledge and skills essential for fishing, aquaculture, and fish processing. Students learn how to catch fish, farm it, process it, and market it. No other school program can replace this knowledge.
The European Commission has recognized the value of this program and supported Professor De Marchi’s efforts to preserve it. In a response dated May 15, it was emphasized that this unique program provides expertise and competencies needed for key sectors of fisheries and maritime industries, vital for food security and biodiversity conservation.
Despite full enrollment quotas and excellent results, the program is paralyzed due to bureaucratic obstacles – lack of occupational standards and a modular curriculum.
Former student Niki Krstićčević, now a marine studies university student, confirms how valuable this knowledge is. They don’t just learn theory; they conduct practical research on fish product markets, discovering quality and price differences invisible to ordinary consumers. Students also engage in ecological actions and public education on marine conservation.
Professor De Marchi points out she has repeatedly warned institutions, but concrete action is missing. Students from fishing families now have nowhere to continue their education. One graduate is already planning to start his own fishing business, while his younger brother has no place to enroll and continue the family tradition.
This issue is not just about education – it’s about preserving Croatia’s fishing culture and identity. The professor appeals to the Prime Minister and government to act urgently to save this only fishing vocational program and to restore the school’s gajeta boat, a symbol of maritime tradition.
If this is not resolved, Croatia will lose not only a school but a part of its soul and the future of its fishing industry.
So, what do you think? Is it possible in the 21st century to let such an important program vanish? Or will we stand with our fishermen and save the tradition? Drop a comment, share your thoughts – maybe your voice can make a difference!
Save the fishing program – save the future!
