Fisheyes & Aqua Culture Tour

BY: FABJOLA ARAPI - Expert of Rural Development

Mussels, sea bass, carp, mullet, and others are species that are served everywhere on the Southern coast of Albania and in some other areas of the country, and when served, they are always accompanied by white wine.

If you taste our mussels, you might well say you have tasted the queen of freshwater, you have tasted what the inhabitants of these areas call the Queen of Butrint Lake.

Albania has two main points for mussel production, one in Butrint and the other in Shengjin. Butrint has the potential to produce over 10,000 tons of mussels per year, while Shengjin has smaller production capacity, but offers high productivity levels for other species. Production at Butrint Lagoon is rooted in a long tradition, while the locals consider the lagoon as the ideal place for the production of mussels not only in terms of water temperature, but also the proper level of salt it features.

Along Butrint Lake, you will find tourist guides that offer walks on the lake, to see the cultivation of the lake mussel and fish species. Also on the shores of Shengjin, Vlora and Durres, you will find aquaculture farms which offer guides for tourists. These guides are realised by making use of boats along the coastline, where different marine species are cultivated.

During the trip, tourists have the opportunity to explore areas of unique natural and cultural attractions, such as the magnificent Butrint National Park. The area around the ancient city of Butrint, in Southern Albania, is home to a number of globally endangered species. Also, this area has a rich cultural history that justifies its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.