Aquaculture, as the fastest growing branch of the food industry, is of great importance both in Croatia and in the world. With the growth of the population, there is an increasing demand, so the requirements for quality and quantity are also increasing. Aquaculture involves the production of fish and aquatic organisms such as shellfish, crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic plants, and is more profitable than many agricultural activities. Even though this branch has had its own stagnation from the beginning to this day, it is clear that it is systematically developing and growing. During the development throughout history, aquaculture is faced with many challenges, and the increasingly advanced technology of breeding and fishing tools, as well as protection against many diseases shows year by year the increasing potential and success in aquaculture. This paper will contain an overview of the last 20 years of aquaculture in the Republic of Croatia, and the impact of new technologies and developments aimed at improving production. It will also discuss the many challenges that the development of aquaculture has faced in a certain period, as well as the current conditions, as well as future goals and strategies for the rapid growth of the industry branch. The purpose of the paper is to provide a detailed insight into the state and current affairs of aquaculture in the Republic of Croatia, especially in the context of the new National Aquaculture Development Plan for the period from 2021 to 2027 (NPRA).