This thesis proposes establishing a Biomimicry LivingLab in Brodarica, Zadar, Croatia to address anthropogenic degradation of the coastline. The research conducted baseline measurements of seawater quality, fish populations, and historical data at two sites. A BACI experiment will test if implementing biomimicry principles improves variables like fish abundance and diversity and water quality. The before measurements were taken, and after measurements will be taken in a year. The goal is to raise awareness of biomimicry's potential and contribute to greening harbors through university-community collaboration. Historical research found major changes, including loss of natural habitats, declining biodiversity, and degraded water quality compared to when Brodarica

1. Final thesis title: Establishment of Biomimicry LivingLabs® in the field of Brodarica in
Zadar
Student: Mihovil Turčinov
Department of Agronomy, Ecology and Aquaculture
University of Zadar, Croatia
Abstract
This work is introduction to Project: Brodarica LivingLabs which deals with biomimicry
principles and tools that can stop anthropogenic degradation of coastline. Biomimicry is
among other innovative approach to solving environmental problems by mimicking nature.
As part of the final thesis research was carried out within bays Maestral (Dražanica Vela) and
Dražanica Mala on Brodarica in Zadar. The research consisted of measuring the quality of
seawater, method of counting fish (lure assisted visual census) and historical research. The
aim of the research is to study site for the purpose of better understanding and to preform
BACI (BeforeAfterControlImpact) experiment which will allow us to test the hypothesis that
the implementation of biomimicry principles and tools will result in changes in some of the
following variables: relative abundance and biodiversity of fishes, seawater quality, the
concentration of Echerichia Coli and other enterobacteria. BACI experiment prescribes two
measurements of these variables (B) –before and (A)-after the implementation of biomimicry
solutions took place. One location is (I) –Impact site the place where biomimicry solutions
will be conducted and the other one is (C) –Control site the place with similar topographic
characteristics on which such a decision will not be implemented. Within the final work the
B_CI measurement has been conducted while the _ACI measurement will be carried out a
year later. Among other objectives should be mentioned research focus to raising awareness
about the potential of biomimicry and intention of the research to contribute Green Harbors
Project and initiate closer cooperation between scientists from the University of Zadar and
local people.
This paper attempts a holistic approach to point out the problems of degradation and pollution
of coastal ecosystems and to explore what are the possible solutions. Results of historical
research suggest a major change that has befallen the studied area. The coastal strip in the
studied area is almost entirely anthropogenic. That is primarily related to the disappearance of
a gradual transition from land to the sea. Consequently this is the reason of disappearance of
natural habitats, which leads to decline of biodiversity. This is deeper confirmed by the results
of the study of oral history. In fact, all participants interviewed remember a different time.
Then Brodarica was pronounced fishing zone. Except the organisms which are important for
fishing there were also various marine organisms that are less important for fishing. Also the
entire coastal strip of Brodarica has been used for swimming and other recreational purposes.
This leads to the conclusion that the quality of the seawater in this area was exceptional.