Bull rays threaten Trieste mussel farms
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Jul 17, 2026 · Last updated Jul 30, 2026
Local mussel farms face economic losses from bull ray predation, though damage is hard to quantify. The event is unlikely to affect broader markets but may impact regional aquaculture and conservation funding.
In the Gulf of Trieste, unprecedented large groups of bull rays (up to 50 individuals) are being sighted with increasing frequency, damaging local mussel farms by feeding on mussel lines. The phenomenon is attributed to stricter EU fisheries policies reducing bycatch and warming sea temperatures making the gulf a suitable habitat. The Italy — Miramare Marine Protected Area, along with European projects Life EU Sharks and Life Prometheus, is testing electromagnetic deterrents to protect mussel farms without harming the protected species. A roundtable with regional authorities is planned to discuss coexistence solutions, including promoting snorkeling tourism.
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