This year again, Sunce Association will take part in one of the most important regional gatherings of sea and nautical enthusiasts, shipbuilders, fishermen, and tourism professionals – the Croatia Nautic Show. The 18th edition of the show will take place from March 26 to 29, 2026, at Marina Kaštela, in Kaštel Gomilica. Entry, as well as parking in the surrounding area, will be free for all visitors.
Alongside a wide selection of new and used vessels, nautical and fishing equipment, innovation showcases, and sea trials, visitors will also have the opportunity to learn more about the current state of the sea. As one of Croatia’s leading environmental protection organiz ations, Sunce will present its work focused on safeguarding the Adriatic Sea.
– We’ve prepared a diverse program – from anchoring education and STEM experiments to a panel discussion on one of the increasingly pressing issues at sea: wastewater from vessels. Visit us at the show every day from 10 AM to 5 PM! – says Bruna Tomić, Expert Associate at Sunce’s Communications and Advocacy Department.
It matters where we anchor
Intensive tourism, especially nautical tourism, is putting increasing pressure on the Adriatic every year. That is why, at the CNS, Sunce continues to inform charter companies, sailors, citizens, and visitors about the importance of responsible behavior at sea and the ways everyone can contribute to preserving marine ecosystems.
– At our stand, visitors will be able to learn more about our marine protection initiatives, including activities carried out within the Interreg Italy–Croatia cross border project BIOPRESSADRIA. We believe that informed and aware individuals can make a significant contribution to protecting the sea, – says Zrinka Jakl, Head of Nature Conservation Department at Sunce.
Visitors will be able to explore a range of topics, including how to anchor with minimal environmental impact. In most parts of the Adriatic, anchoring is still largely unregulated, often resulting in physical damage to the seabed and coastal ecosystems, particularly to sensitive seagrass meadows.
Reporting marine pollution is a civic duty
Visitors will also learn how to recognize and report marine pollution, especially in cases of wastewater discharge from vessels – a problem that becomes particularly visible during the tourist season.
– Legal frameworks based on the MARPOL Convention clearly define the obligation of both responsible parties and citizens to report marine pollution. So, if pollution is observed, it is a civic duty to act and notify the relevant authorities: the harbour master’s office or the national emergency number 112. Reports can also be submitted anonymously via Sunce’s Green Phone, – explains Eva Šore, a legal expert at Sunce who forwards reports to the competent authorities and monitors their resolution.
The Green Phone network operates across Croatia, with Sunce receiving reports from the Split-Dalmatia and Dubrovnik-Neretva counties. Every report is extremely valuable – not only does it help protect the environment, but it also serves as a tool to push institutions toward action.
Panel: “Citizens as allies in marine protection”
At this year’s CNS, Sunce will host a panel discussion titled: “Citizens as allies in marine protection: how can we improve the system for reporting marine pollution?”, with a special focus on wastewater from vessels.
The panel will present the results of an analysis of citizen reports received via the Green Phone in 2024 and 2025, conducted as part of the project Green Phone – Lend Your Voice to the Environment III!, co-financed by the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund.
– The analysis shows that citizens are increasingly reporting pollution cases, but in many instances there is a lack of response or transparency from institutions. The goal of the panel is to open dialogue between citizens, civil society, and authorities, and to jointly define recommendations for improving reporting and monitoring systems at sea, – says Maja Jurić, Head of Communications and Advocacy Department.
STEM experiments: diving into the world of science
Visitors will also have the chance to dive into the world of science. On Friday, March 27, from 10 AM to 12 PM, Sunce educators will host interactive STEM activities. This public event, organized as part of the project Sailing into STEM – A Map for 2030, will focus on current challenges in marine conservation. Through presentations, discussions, and knowledge exchange, Sunce aims to open space for dialogue about the state of the sea and possible solutions.
– We are organizing simple scientific experiments for children and young people to demonstrate ocean acidification, how microplastics accumulate and move through the food chain, and how scientists study changes in marine ecosystems. Our main goal is to raise awareness about the growing problem of marine pollution and its impact on marine life, ecosystems, and human well-being. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward a sustainable relationship with the sea, – says Sunce’s educator Vana Marta Vukman.
Visit us every day from 10 AM to 5 PM
The Croatia Nautic Show offers an excellent opportunity to discuss the future of the Adriatic Sea and the sustainable development of nautical tourism.
– Nautical tourism must not become a source of harm to marine and coastal life, but rather an economic opportunity that requires greater investment in protection and preservation. Find out what needs to be done, and how at Sunce’s stand, every day from 10 AM to 5 PM. Everyone can get involved in nature protection – as a member, volunteer, or responsible citizen. Give a voice to your environment! See you at the 18th Croatia Nautic Show in Marina Kaštela, – concludes Tomić.
