The Croatian sea is one of the country’s most valuable natural resources and a cornerstone of its nautical tourism industry. Its crystal-clear waters, well-preserved seabed, and deeply indented coastline are what sailors particularly cherish about the Adriatic, drawing visitors from around the world. However, the growing pressures of tourism pose a serious challenge to the sea’s long-term sustainability. For more than 25 years, the Sunce Association has been dedicated to protecting the sea and coast, advocating for development grounded in the preservation of natural values, responsible management, and active community participation.
In the field of nautical tourism, Sunce operates as a civil society organization with a clear vision of Croatia as a country of preserved seas and coastlines, where the development of local communities is based on the principles of sustainability and the circular economy.
– Our work focuses on reducing the negative impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems, strengthening marine governance systems, and protecting the natural resources that form the foundation of tourism and quality of life in Croatia. It is encouraging that most national goals, strategies, and legislation are already aligned with Sunce’s objectives. However, what currently presents the greatest challenge at the state level is cooperation and effective implementation, – explains Zrinka Jakl, Head of the Nature Conservation Department at Sunce.
Posidonia – the invisible ally of the sea and coast
A central focus of Sunce’s work is the protection of Posidonia oceanica meadows, the Mediterranean’s most important and sensitive marine habitat. Posidonia plays a crucial role in biodiversity, oxygen production, seabed stability, and coastal protection against erosion. Despite its importance, it faces significant pressures, one of the most destructive being free anchoring.
As anchors and chains drag across the seabed, they uproot Posidonia and leave permanent scars on habitats that require decades to recover. The disappearance of Posidonia does not merely mean the loss of a single marine species; it represents a serious disruption of the Mediterranean’s ecological balance and, in the long term, a threat to nautical tourism itself.
– As a member of the Mediterranean Posidonia Network, Sunce supports the ambitious goal of preserving 100% of Posidonia meadows in the Mediterranean. This objective cannot be achieved without changes in practices at sea and strong cooperation among all who use it, – Jakl emphasizes.
‘And where do you anchor?’ is a question that changes habits
To bring this issue closer to sailors and sea lovers, over the past two years we have been running the campaign And where do you anchor?. The campaign is not about pointing fingers, but about raising awareness and encouraging responsible behavior at sea. This simple question opens space for dialogue about the consequences of anchoring, the importance of proper anchoring techniques, and the use of eco-moorings.
Through the campaign, we aim to show that sustainability in nautical tourism is not an additional burden, but a necessary precondition for preserving the sea we all wish to use and enjoy. In 2026, we will continue to expand the campaign, broaden its reach, and further engage sailors, charter agencies, and local communities in the shared care of the sea.
– These groups are often unaware of how significantly their behavior can impact marine ecosystems. In addition to anchoring in Posidonia meadows, issues such as wastewater discharge, improper waste disposal, and lack of awareness of regulations in protected areas also pose problems. That is precisely why we see these groups as a key part of the solution, – Jakl points out.
Well-informed and environmentally conscious sailors can make a substantial contribution to marine conservation – whether by changing their own habits or by reporting pollution and irresponsible behavior through the Green Phone hotline or to the relevant authorities.
Charter agencies are often the first and most important source of information for sailors. They have the power to shape guests’ behavior, set standards, and demonstrate that responsible use of the sea is an integral part of quality service. Although Sunce recognizes that parts of the sector still prioritize commercial interests over environmental protection, experience shows that most charter companies aim to operate responsibly and sustainably.
– Our role is to support them in that effort – by strengthening dialogue, providing education, raising awareness, and promoting solutions that benefit both nature and the economy, – Jakl adds.
Cooperation as the foundation of the sea’s future
In 2026, Sunce will continue to focus on protecting Posidonia, developing and promoting eco-moorings, strengthening education efforts, and advocating for more effective enforcement of maritime regulations. At the same time, we will carry on implementing projects aimed at reducing tourism’s negative impacts on the sea and promoting systemic solutions at both local and national levels.
– All charter agencies we have worked with so far have shown a very positive attitude toward our work. They want to support our efforts and share our goals of preserving the seabed. In recent years, some have provided truly valuable support: offering boats and skippers for clean-up actions, distributing leaflets and promotional materials, participating in surveys, interviews and panels, sharing contacts, information and advice, and providing letters of support for projects. We also receive support from relevant ministries and the Croatian Chamber of Economy. Sunce has long maintained strong cooperation with experts and public institutions managing protected areas, with whom we implement numerous projects, – Jakl highlighted, adding:
– The next step for Sunce is to strengthen partnerships with the nautical sector and enhance cooperation with concession holders of eco-moorings, county administrative departments for maritime affairs and tourism, harbor master’s offices, and the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure – key actors in improving anchoring regulations and strengthening control at sea.
Get in touch for our Posidonia leaflet
We believe that a well-preserved sea and high-quality nautical tourism are not opposing goals, but inseparably linked. Only through joint action can we ensure that the Adriatic remains the sea we know and love. In 2026, Sunce remains fully committed to this mission – in cooperation with those who use the sea, but also wish to protect it.
If you, dear sailors, charter operators, concession holders, hospitality professionals, tourist guides, and all other sea enthusiasts, would like to become part of our mission, download our informational leaflet “Posidonia – the Mediterranean’s Super Plant” (created within the BIOPRESSADRIA project) and share it with your guests and partners this season.
Would you like printed leaflets for your guests or partners? Contact us at [email protected], and we will gladly deliver od send them to you free of charge!
