ZAGREB, 29 May (Hina) - The town of Komiža on Croatia’s Vis island is hosting the Mares UWPM World Masters international underwater photography competition from 29 May to 5 June, bringing together 15 leading underwater photographers from 12 countries to promote marine conservation, sustainable diving and Croatia’s underwater heritage.

Participants will take part in a series of demanding dives to create images inspired by the beauty and biodiversity of the Adriatic seabed, with part of the official programme taking place in the “Cape Stupišće” special marine reserve, about 3.6 km southwest of Komiža.

The reserve is the first strictly protected marine “no-take” zone in Split-Dalmatia County, where the harvesting of marine organisms is banned in order to restore fish stocks and preserve the natural marine ecosystem.

Competitors include national team members and multiple international medal winners from Portugal, Cuba, Spain, Turkey, Italy, Jordan, Sweden, the Netherlands, Hungary, Slovenia, Germany and Croatia.

Entries will be judged by an international panel of experts.

“The competition is a strong promotion of sustainable development, marine protection and top-level diving tourism, and further confirms Komiža and the island of Vis as one of the Mediterranean’s most attractive diving destinations,” Mayor Ivica Vitaljić said.

The event will also feature expert lectures on modern underwater photography and video techniques, as well as a screening of the SEADRIA project on the sustainable Adriatic ecosystem.

Images and video footage produced during the competition will be presented in international media outlets and specialised magazines.