The Working Group on Ecological Anchorages was established with the aim of identifying and addressing the problem of the destruction of Posidonia meadows. The preservation of this sensitive marine ecosystem requires cooperation between different sectors, therefore, representatives of nature conservation, maritime affairs, tourism, spatial planning, science, and the civil and private sectors are involved in the work of the Group.

Posidonia meadows are one of the most valuable natural resources of the Adriatic Sea. Their role is multiple: they provide habitat for a large number of marine organisms and thus preserve biodiversity, stabilize the seabed, and store significant amounts of carbon. This is a habitat that enjoys legal protection, but despite this, it faces a number of threats – from global, such as rising sea temperatures, to local, such as eutrophication and indiscriminate anchoring.

The most direct and fastest implementable step for their protection is to reduce mechanical damage from anchors and inappropriately placed anchorages. Data shows that as many as 70% of anchorages in Split-Dalmatia County are located within Natura 2000 areas that aim to preserve Posidonia seagrass beds. This further emphasizes the urgency of adapting the anchorage system.

Therefore, the main goal of the Working Group is to advocate for the introduction of ecological anchorage systems that enable safe mooring without physically damaging the seabed. Through the activities of the Croatian Network of Marine Protected Areas, the Group directs recommendations to national and county authorities, with an emphasis on spatial planning, the introduction of permanent ecological anchorages, and systematic education of all stakeholders.

Special emphasis is placed on the education of space users – from boaters, through public institutions and concessionaires, to designers and contractors – because it is precisely clear and accessible guidelines on ecological anchorage systems that represent the foundation for the long-term preservation of Posidonia seagrass and the marine ecosystem of the Adriatic.

The members of the working group are: Jelena Kurtović Mrčelić (leader), Karla Fabrio Ćubrić, Ivan Šarić, Marin Perčić, Dominik Mihaljević, Zrinka Jakl, Matea Špika, Ante Žuljević, Jelena Matoković, Bruna Đuković, Ornela Krezić, Zlatko Vodanović, Danijel Pušić.