The oyster farming in the Dubrovnik region is a centuries-old tradition. According to the archaeological findings, the Bistrina Bay, in Mali Ston channel, is believed to be known for its oysters since the Roman times. Even before the Romans, there is evidence that the Illyrians enjoyed these delicacies.
The Dubrovnik Republic government, which bought Ston in 1333 from the Bosnian ban, recognized the value of the shellfish cultivation in the Ston region, and put it under its authority. The oysters and a bottle of Malvasia were special delicacies that the Dubrovnik officials would welcome the Bosnian pashas and foreign delegates with. The Mali Ston oysters also found their way to Vienna, Prague and Paris.
At the beginning of the 18th c., the oyster farming almost collapsed. The Dubrovnik government realized they had to react promptly, so they protected it by law, ordering two more families to preserve oysters in the Bistrina Bay and allowing the harvest exclusively from October until May, in order to protect the most sensitive period of the reproductive cycle. The time would show that the Senate’s measures saved oyster farming from complete disaster.
In 1936, the Ston oyster received the “Grand Prix” and a golden medal at the international exhibition in London.
Today, Mali Ston oysters are highly esteemed delicacy, having received European Union’s protected designation of origin and protected geographical indication. They are protected throughout the European Union, which guarantees its authenticity.
Take the opportunity, go on a road trip with us and taste the best of Mali Ston Bay.