Protect the Adriatic!

Published in Highlights

The Clean Adriatic Sea Alliance (CASA) is highly active in the campaign to protect and save the Adriatic Sea, which is increasingly endangered.

The Adriatic: calm waters, but trouble brewing underneath The Adriatic: calm waters, but trouble brewing underneath Photo: Vivian Grisogono

The organisation has been particularly vociferous in countering the proposed drilling for oil and gas off the island of Brač. But that (outrageous) plan is not the only threat to the Adriatic. There are increasingly issues with pollution and over-fishing. Local scientists are already aware that there are worrying changes in the sea temperature, with increased surface temperatures contrasting with decreased temperatures at depth leading to 'dead areas' in the deeper waters.

The Adriatic's beautiful waters need protection. Photo: Vivian Grisogono

Fishing is an important industry on both sides of the Adriatic, but over-fishing is leading to depleted stocks, besides causing damage to the marine environment.

Fishing boats in Stari Grad. Photo: Vivian Grisogono

On March 27th 2017, the Clean Adriatic Sea Alliance, with the support of several local environmental groups, including Eco Hvar, addressed a letter to Minister Tolušić at the Ministry of Agriculture, in advance of the Ministerial Conference on Fishing in the Mediterranean, due to be held on March 30th 2017. The letter contained a strong call for a protected zone in the Adriatic, as had been proposed in February 2017 to the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, and a strong stance against over-fishing.

Cleaning and packing fish on board. Photo: Vivian Grisogono

To read the full text of the letter (in Croatian) click here.

© Vivian Grisogono 2017

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