This year’s recruitment of 𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑎 𝑛𝑜𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑠 In the Slovenian Sea was not as successful as in previous years because researchers had not found any pinnids in collectors … until now!

While monitoring a mussel farm in Debeli rtič, NIB researchers made an exciting discovery—18 tiny pinnids attached to two specially designed collector bags! These juveniles are now being cared for at the Marine Biology Station in Piran.

Credit: Ana Fortič/NIB

Credit: Valentina Pitacco/NIB

Though smaller than those found last year, their presence offers hope for the future of this endangered species in the northern Adriatic.

The pinnids were found on innovative collector bags designed by NIB staff— a perforated plastic bag filled with jute. These bags were placed alongside conventional all-plastic bags in 2024, and the results are promising!

Key findings:

• Jute-filled bags successfully attracted pinnid larvae
• They offer a more sustainable alternative to all plastic collectors

Credit: Martina Orlando Bonaca/NIB

Credit: Tihomir Makovec/NIB