Project duration: 04/2024 – 03/2025 

Status: ON-GOING 

The Challenge

Cladocora caespitosa, the only reef-forming species in the Mediterranean Sea, is classified as endangered on the IUCN red list. Climate change, ocean acidification, habitat disturbance, fishing, tourism, and coastal development all pose significant risks to this crucial species, which provides vital habitat and shelter for diverse marine life. The Adriatic Sea contains significant populations of this pillow coral, but these have severely declined during past decades, and there is a critical lack of data about its current status in the Zadar archipelago.

Our Solution

Focused on the island of Iž, the project utilized trained scuba divers to map and document Cladocora caespitosa coral in 20 locations to establish a baseline for future monitoring. Through systematic underwater surveys, the team is recording colony distribution, size, health, and distribution patterns. The foundational database created will assess the species’ distribution, density, and size, crucial for future conservation efforts in the Zadar archipelago.

Achieving Impact

The project is providing essential data on Cladocora caespitosa in the region, enhancing understanding of its ecological role and vulnerabilities. Through education initiatives, including coral ecosystem workshops for children and tourists, field data collection, and geospatial analysis, the initiative is contributing to safeguarding marine biodiversity and coral reef health in the Adriatic Sea. The team has already conducted 17 dive surveys and presented preliminary findings at both local seminars and the international Climate Change & Adriatic Marine Ecosystem Conservation conference. Building on this foundation, future plans include expanding coral preservation efforts and conducting additional field studies across other Dalmatian islands to create a comprehensive picture of coral reef ecosystems in the region.

Project’s deliverables

• Education and Training
• Field Data Collection
• Integrated Geospatial Analysis

Project updates

• 17 dive surveys recording colonies, size, health and distribution patterns
• Coral ecosystem workshop on Pašman Island for children and tourists
• Seminar presenting early findings in Sukošan with 40 attendees
• Presentation of preliminary results at the international scientific conference: Climate Change & Adriatic Marine Ecosystem Conservation

Insight into the organizations

The Diving Club KPA Zadar boasts over half a century of rich tradition as the first diving club in Zadar and a pioneering force in Croatian civilian diving instruction. Despite the growth of diving interest and new clubs, KPA Zadar has maintained its dedication to diving and underwater preservation. With a history of over 500 members and significant sports achievements, the club has received numerous awards, including the state award for technical culture Faust Vrančić and the Coat of Arms of the City of Zadar. In recent years, the club has shifted its focus towards environmental conservation, collaborating with the Public Institution Nature Park Telašćica on initiatives like underwater cleaning actions and free diving courses. Additionally, it provides high-quality education through its diving school and partners with the University of Zadar for undergraduate courses in Underwater Sciences and Technologies. Through its longstanding commitment, awards, and activities, KPA Zadar actively promotes diving and raises awareness about the value and fragility of the underwater world.