On 2 May 2025, the Government of the Republic of Croatia adopted a Regulation declaring Cape Stupišće a Strictly Protected Marine Area, granting this ecologically significant site permanent protection. The reserve encompasses 109.76 hectares, with 93.7% covering the marine area of Komiža Bay on the island of Vis.
This designation marks the first strictly protected marine area in the Split-Dalmatia County, representing a pivotal step in marine biodiversity conservation.
– This journey towards protecting Stupišće has spanned nearly two decades, and we’ve finally achieved tangible progress. While changes in nature often occur slowly, they are profoundly valuable, – stated Zrinka Jakl, Head of the Nature Conservation Department at Sunce.
Path to protection: the result of joint efforts and perseverance
The protection of Cape Stupišće is the culmination of years of collaboration among experts, institutions, and the local community. As part of the ADRIREEF project, Sunce conducted research highlighting the biological significance of the area. The project’s final phase initiated a proposal to designate the site as a no-take zone (strict protection zone), prohibiting the extraction of marine resources. Subsequently, Sunce facilitated stakeholder consultations for the Public Institution RERA S.D. and developed a expert study advocating for the area’s protection as a Special Marine Reserve.
Notably, this initiative originated from the local community, exemplifying a bottom-up approach where local stakeholders recognize the importance of conservation and actively participate in protective measures.
– Based on the study, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition prepared the expert foundation leading to the Regulation’s adoption, – added Zrinka Jakl.
– We have beautiful parts of our coastal area protected on land, such as Zlatni Rat, Pakleni Islands, and Šćedro, but the underwater areas lacked protection. This practice has now changed, acknowledging that our seas require adequate protection, – noted Jelena Kurtović Mrčelić from the Public Institution “Sea and Karst”.
Cape Stupišće boasts diverse habitats within a compact area, including Posidonia seagrass meadows, reefs, and sandy seabeds. These environments support a rich array of marine species like dentex, lobsters, and scorpionfish. Due to its natural and cultural significance – including the shipwreck of the Vassilios T. near Cape Stupišće – the Vis Archipelago has been designated a UNESCO Geopark and is part of the Natura 2000 ecological network.
– Protecting habitats like these is essential for preserving the marine ecosystem, as they provide a safe haven for numerous species to spawn, grow, and feed. They also allow time for fish populations to recover, which in turn benefits surrounding, ‘unprotected’ areas. Such protected areas not only preserve biodiversity, but also play a vital role in mitigating the impacts of climate change by maintaining the balance of natural processes in the sea, – emphasized Ana Miletić Miloš, Senior Expert Associate in the Nature Conservation Department at Sunce.
Fishing prohibited and diving regulated
The adoption of the Regulation by the Government of the Republic of Croatia, which formally designates the reserve, was preceded by a public consultation and a public discussion held in February in Komiža. The event brought together fishers, scientists, and representatives of various organizations.
Prior to the official designation of the reserve, some fishers had proposed the use of rotational zones instead of strict marine protection.
– Rotational zones operate by periodically opening and closing areas to fishing, but studies have shown that these zones produce weaker outcomes – fish biomass declines again once fishing resumes. A minimum of five years of continuous protection is needed for meaningful recovery! We’ve seen similar results in Croatia, where permanent protection of the Jabuka Pit has become a recognized example of best practice. Long-term, permanent protection is the most effective tool for protecting marine resources, – said Matea Špika, Senior Associate in the Nature Conservation Department at Sunce.
The protection of Cape Stupišće is not only about preserving natural heritage – it also carries significant ecological, social, and economic value. Just as the regulation of fishing in the Jabuka Pit enabled the recovery of commercially important fish species, we are confident that the establishment of the Cape Stupišće Special Marine Reserve will likewise contribute to strengthening local fisheries.
– Across 110 hectares of marine and coastal area, conservation and ecosystem restoration activities will be carried out – particularly focusing on reef habitats and Posidonia seagrass meadows. Fishing will be prohibited, and diving will be regulated. In the long term, the reserve is envisioned as an ‘open-sea aquarium,’ creating opportunities for the development of dive tourism and offering indirect support to the local economy, – emphasized Jelena Kurtović Mrčelić.
Since the reserve also includes the coastal terrestrial zone, its protection simultaneously helps prevent negative land-based impacts such as soil erosion, unplanned construction, and pollution – thereby ensuring the integrity and stability of coastal habitats.
Protection as a foundation for a sustainable future
The Special Marine Reserve is managed by the Public Institution Sea and Karst from Split – which we congratulate on establishing the first marine reserve in Split-Dalmatia County! In the coming period, the Institution will work in collaboration with local stakeholders to develop a management plan – a strategic document outlining all conservation goals and planned activities for the area. The plan also includes hiring a ranger who will be responsible for on-site monitoring, protecting the area, and promoting nature conservation within the protected zone.
Additionally, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition will draft the Regulation on Protection and Conservation, which will further regulate activities and establish measures for the sustainable use of this protected area.
By establishing the Cape Stupišće Special Marine Reserve, we are laying the foundations for marine conservation. As the renowned natural historian David Attenborough recently stated: “After nearly a hundred years on this planet, I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land, but in the sea.”
Author of all photos in the text: Božidar Plazonić