Regular Reef Cleanups in Krnica, Croatia
Think Globally, Act Locally !
Reefs in the Adriatic are recognized as important underwater habitats. The coast around Krnica, Croatia, is rocky, with hidden coves and steep cliffs, creating a structurally complex underwater environment. Therefore, these reefs provide habitat complexity that supports a diversity of species, serving as nursery grounds, feeding areas, and shelter.
Volunteers from Ghost Diving Adriatic are not only very active in our international projects, but also they work very hard keep their local reefs clean. They regularly clean up the reefs near their headquarters in Krnica. In addition to the cleanup missions, the divers have established close cooperation with local fishermen, who immediately report any lost fishing gear. This collaboration allows our volunteer divers to react quickly, preventing ghost gear from affecting local ecosystems.
Through regular scouting and reef cleanups, Ghost Diving Adriatic keeps local ghost fishing threats to a minimum.
Perseverance is key
Visiting the same reef over and over again might not sound exciting. However, one would be surprised at how thrilling it is to act as an underwater ranger in the Adriatic Sea. In fact, underwater ecosystems are constantly changing. Consequently, even when returning to the same location, divers often encounter new species, conditions, or marine behaviors.
Unfortunately, ghost gear is just as dynamic: nets and traps can shift with currents, move across the seabed, or become newly entangled on the reef. This is why persistence is essential. Repeated monitoring of nearby reefs provides early detection of ghost gear, protecting marine life and helping the ecosystem stay healthy.
Never-Ending story
Every local reef cleanup brings hope and satisfaction. However, Ghost Diving Adriatic needs to continuously monitor and expand the area under surveillance. This ensures that newly lost ghost fishing gear does not harm local ecosystems and that older ghost gear does not continue to contaminate the surrounding waters. It is arduous work, but Krnica is lucky to have Team Ghost Diving Adriatic, proudly supported by Healthy Seas !