Are there any conceptual solutions for ecological nautical moorings?
23/12/2025
Are there any conceptual solutions for ecological nautical moorings?
How is it possible to reduce impacts from leisure boating?
As a project partner in BIOPRESSADRIA, the ‘Public Institution for the Management of Protected Nature Areas of Dubrovnik-Neretva County’ works on advocating for stronger protection measures at the county level, integrating scientific research into spatial planning, and promoting sustainable marine practices, such as eco-friendly anchoring solutions.
The Korčula Bay, including Badija and surrounding islands islands are one of the 5 pilot sites of the BIOPRESSADRIA project on which the project partner ‘The Public Institution for the Management of Protected Nature Areas of Dubrovnik-Neretva County’ is working.
These sites host ecologically significant habitats such as Posidonia oceanica meadows.
Additionally, these areas support Cymodocea nodosa meadows and sandbanks, both of which are crucial for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and coastal stability.
On the end of November, a meeting was held in Korčula to present the study “Analysis of the Pressures of Nautical Tourism to Posidonia for the N2K Ecological Network of Dubrovnik-Neretva County.”
The focus was placed on the pilot area of eastern Korčula Bay, including Badija and surrounding islands, as well as the marine area of Lumbarda: these areas represent two significant sites within the Natura 2000 ecological network.
The study results were presented by the authors from Sea & Karst. Daily challenges faced by marine managers were emphasized: the most critical issue identified was the anchoring of vessels longer than 24 meters near sensitive Posidonia meadows.
During the meeting, the challenges that marine space managers face on a daily basis were highlighted. Among them, the most prominent problem was identified as the entry and anchoring of larger ships, especially those longer than 24 meters, in the immediate vicinity of sensitive Posidonia meadows, which leads to the biggest problem - wastewater discharge.
The analysis represents an important basis for future studies of spatial planning, as well as for the characterisation and quantification of nautical tourism pressures within the Dubrovnik-Neretva county ecological network. The results obtained will contribute to improving planning, defining pressure reduction measures, and offering better communication with the public and users of the space, thus creating a basis for future systematic monitoring of pressures.
One of the project's goals is the development of Guidelines for the sustainable management of Anchorage and Nautical Pressures in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. The content of these guidelines, as outlined in the spatial plan, will enable the formal application of the guidelines and their ideal implementation in everyday marine space management.
The results will support better planning, clearer mitigation measures, improved communication with users and establish a basis for systematic monitoring of pressures!
