ZAGREB, 30 June (Hina) - Over 80% of the waste found in the Adriatic Sea is plastic and an increasing number of skippers, notably during the pre-season and in protected areas such as Mljet and Lastovo, voluntarily remove rubbish from the sea and shore in an effort to preserve the cleanliness of the Croatian part of the Adriatic.
Despite the efforts of individuals, associations and institutions, marine litter remains one of the most serious environmental challenges in the Adriatic.
According to data from the environmental NGO Sunce and the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, most of the waste consists of plastic items, including bags, bottles, packaging, fishing nets, and polystyrene. The majority originates from land and is washed into bays and onto the coastline, especially during winter months and periods of strong southerly winds.
In 2024 alone, more than two tonnes of waste were collected at the Neretva River estuary. In the first four months of this year, an additional 323 kilograms were removed from the sea and coast.
Although waste collection is not their responsibility, many skippers and professionals in the nautical sector are increasingly taking it upon themselves to clean up rubbish found in bays and coves.
Skipper Andrija Posarić says the problem is particularly severe within protected areas. “Mljet and Lastovo are national parks, yet they often have more waste than unprotected bays. Local tourist boards occasionally organise clean-up actions, but that alone isn’t enough. These issues need to be tackled systematically, at the national level.”
Posarić also notes that tourists are increasingly demonstrating environmental awareness, often more so than local visitors.
According to the European Environment Agency, the average EU citizen generates more than 34 kilograms of single-use plastic waste annually, much of which ends up in the sea.
Maja Jurić from Sunce, believes education is essential. “Most people don’t pollute intentionally, it’s usually due to a lack of awareness. More education is needed, especially among tourists and visitors to protected areas.”
Through projects such as FishNoWaste, WASTEREDUCE, Plastic-Free Croatian Island, and the Dalmatia Green certification, Sunce promotes sustainable practices aimed at reducing plastic use, improving waste separation, and empowering local communities.
Pollution can be reported anonymously by calling 072 123 456 or by emailing info@sunce-st.org. Sunce says every report matters, as once waste enters the sea, its removal becomes significantly more complex.
