Nacionalni Park Brijuni

EVALUATION REPORT

Nacionalni park Brijuni

Location: Off the coast of western Istria, Republic of Croatia, Northern Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean Blue Park Status: Nominated (2021), Evaluated (2021)

MPAtlas.org ID: 15663

Manager(s): Marno Milotić, Public Institution Brijuni National Park

MAPS 2

1. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

1.1 Biodiversity Value 4

1.2 Implementation 6

2. AWARD STATUS CRITERIA

2.1 Regulations 9

2.2 Design, Management, and Compliance 11

3. SYSTEM PRIORITIES

3.1 Ecosystem Representation 16

3.2 Ecological Spatial Connectivity 17

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: Evidence of MPA Effects 17

Figure 1: Brijuni National Park covers 26.5 km2 of marine area off the Istrian coast of Croatia in the Northern Adriatic Sea. It contains 14 uninhabited islands and includes the surrounding sea and shelf area. Brijuni National Park is divided into four zones: 1a) the Zone of Very Strict Protection and 1b) the Zone of Strict Protection are shown together in dark blue – the Regulations-Based Classification score is 1 (fully protected); 2) the Zone of Directed Protection is shown in light blue and the Regulations-Based Classification Score is 4 (highly protected); and 3) the Zone of Usage is shown in dark blue and lined – the Regulations-Based Classification score is 3 (fully protected). See Section 2.1 for an explanation of the the Regulations-Based Classification scores. (Source: Marine Protection Atlas, Marine Conservation Institute)

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Figure 2: Brijuni National Park’s Zone of Strict Protection has two sub-zones: 1a) Zone of Very Strict Protection shown in dark green and 1b) Zone of Strict Protection shown in light green. (Source: Brijuni National Park Management Plan, p. 121)

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1.1 Eligibility Criteria: Biodiversity Value (must satisfy at least one)

1.1.1 Includes rare, unique, or representative ecosystems.

Brijuni National Park is one of eight national parks in Croatia and was designated as such because it is considered one of the most “biologically valuable” marine areas in the country.1

In particular, seagrass covers a significant amount of seabed area. Four species have been observed: slender seagrass (Cymodocea nodosa), eel grass (Zostera marina), dwarf eelgrass (Zostera noltii) and Neptune grass (Posidonia oceanica).2 The latter is an endemic, long-living seagrass, and although the area covered by this species is small (0.09% of Brijuni’s total marine area), it is one of the largest Posidonia meadows on the west coast of the Istria region of Croatia.3

Other areas of the National Park are characterized by gently sloping limestone rocky reefs, which are found along the coast and in shallow subtidal areas,4 flooded or partially flooded sea caves, which are representative of the Northern Adriatic Sea, and rocky cliffs that are representative of the Mediterranean coastline and covered by an endemic species of Limonium spp.5

1.1.2 Includes area(s) of high species richness or endemism within the context of the biogeographic region.

Brijuni National Park is also considered a hotspot of marine biodiversity in the Northern Adriatic region of the Mediterranean.6 Its seagrass in particular support high levels of marine biodiversity by providing feeding, refuge and nursery habitats to many species of fish and invertebrates.7 In addition to the species listed above, the marine habitats throughout Brijuni are home to a invertebrate species of conservation concern, including noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis), the marine sponge (Axinella cannabina), the orange puffball sponge (Tethya aurantium), the date shell (Lithophaga lithophaga), the ascidian (Polycitor adriaticus), the European lobster (Homarus gammarus).

The park is also a destination for many highly migratory species of conservation concern to the park. The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), and a variety of important bird species, including the black-throated

1 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 8. 2 Hervat, M., Blašković, A. (2019) Local vulnerability assessment of marine habitats to climate change, p. 15. 3 Hervat, M., Blašković, A. (2019) Local vulnerability assessment of marine habitats to climate change, p. 11. 4 Stagličić, N. et al. (2020) Distribution patterns of two co-existing oyster species in the northern Adriatic Sea: The native European flat oyster Ostrea edulis and the non- native Pacific oyster Magallana gigas. Ecological Indicators 113: pp. 1-12. 5 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 9. 6 Hervat, M., Blašković, A. (2019) Local vulnerability assessment of marine habitats to climate change, p. 3. 7 Guala, I. et al. (2012) Monitoring of Posidonia oceanica meadows in Croatian Protected Areas, p. 7.

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loon (Gavia arctica), the red-throated loon (Gavia stellata), the European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii), the sandwich tern (Sterna sendvicensis), the common tern (Sterna hirundo), and the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) also frequent the area.8 Brijuni is one of the five most important nesting sites for the European shag in the Adriatic and an important seasonal settlement for northern bird populations.9 It is also located along the migration pathway of loggerhead sea turtles in the Adriatic.10

Brijuni National Park has been identified as a Conservation Area Significant for Birds under the Ecological Network Directive (National Gazette no. 124/13, 105/15).11

1.1.3 Includes demonstrated historic or predicted ecological refugia (e.g., climate refugia) or populations with known or predicted tolerance or adaptive potential.

Seagrass ecosystems stabilize the seabed, reduce sedimentation and coastal erosion, produce oxygen, and sequester carbon.12 These functions help to mitigate effects of climate change including rising sea levels and increasing sea temperatures. The endemic Posidonia oceanica species, particularly, can sequester large amounts of organic carbon. This, coupled with their longevity, makes Posidonia oceanica a very important carbon sink in the Mediterranean.13 These meadows are also able to modify the pH of the local water column which means they can act as a chemical refugia for organisms that are particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification.14

1.1.4 Includes area important for threatened species (including those identified by the IUCN Red List or national legislation), keystone species, or foundational species. Important areas include migration pathways and breeding, nursery, feeding, or assembly areas.

All of the species listed in Section 1.1.2 of this report are protected under the Croatian Directive of Strictly Protected Species.15,16 Additionally, Posidonia oceanica is also protected by the European Commission Habitat Directive 92/43/EU (Annex I, Posidonion oceanicae, code 1120).17 The bottlenose dolphin (Tursios truncatus, VU/IUCN18) and

8 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 39. 9 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 39. 10 Lazar, B. et al. (2004) Tag recoveries of the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta in the eastern Adriatic Sea: implications for conservation. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 84, pp. 475-480. 11 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 9. 12 Guala, I. et al. (2012) Monitoring of Posidonia oceanica meadows in Croatian Protected Areas, p. 7. 13 Hervat, M., Blašković, A. (2019) Local vulnerability assessment of marine habitats to climate change, p. 50. 14 Hervat, M., Blašković, A. (2019) Local vulnerability assessment of marine habitats to climate change, p. 52. 15 Hervat, M., Blašković, A. (2019) Local vulnerability assessment of marine habitats to climate change, p. 16. 16 Croatian Directive on Strictly Protected Species (2013), Annex I, Croatian: pp. 6-206, English translation: pp. 6- 206. 17 Guala, I. et al. (2012) Monitoring of Posidonia oceanica meadows in Croatian Protected Areas, p. 7. 18 Bearzi, G., et al. (2012) Tursiops truncatus (Mediterranean subpopulation). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012. Retrieved March 2021 from https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/16369383/16369386.

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loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta, VU/IUCN19) are included on the IUCN Red List as vulnerable species.

Qualifying Designations

Natura 2000 Site of Community Importance (SCI) (2014): Croatia’s National Ecological Network was established in 2007. Brijuni National Park was included in that network and was a key part of negotiating Croatia’s inclusion in the EU-wide Natura 2000 Network, which went into effect when Croatia joined the European Union in 2013. Brijuni National Park was proposed as a Site of Community Importance in June 2013, and confirmed in December 2014.20

1.2 Eligibility Criteria: Implementation (must satisfy all)

1.2.1 The MPA is designated by a legitimate and functional government representing the interests of civil society, and the MPA’s implementation meets the IUCN standards for recognizing indigenous peoples’ rights.

The area around the Brijuni Islands was designated as a National Park (IUCN Category II21) and Memorial Site in 1983 by the government of the Republic of Croatia (National Park Act and the Brijuni Memorial Site – National Gazette no. 46/83 and later amendments 57/89, 05/90 and 47/91).22

The Croatian government established a public organization (National gazette 47/91, 2/92) to manage the national park.23

The Nature Protection Act (National Gazette 80/13, 15/18, 14/19, 127/19 ) of 2013, currently regulates the protection and management of protected areas in Croatia.24

1.2.2 The MPA is designated to enhance the biodiversity value of the site.

The stated goal of the Nature Protection Act for national parks in Croatia is the “preservation of the original natural and landscape values.”25 The managers of Brijuni National Park are responsible for protecting and preserving the natural environment, and for “the smooth running of natural processes, the sustainable use of natural resources, and

19 Casale, P., Tucker, A.D. (2017) Caretta caretta (amended version of 2015 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017. Retrieved March 2021 from https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/3897/119333622. 20 Martina Hervat, Senior Expert Advisor, Public Institution Brijuni National Park, personal communication, 25 March 2021. 21 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 8. 22 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), pp. 6-7. 23 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 7. 24 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 7. 25 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 7.

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monitoring of the implementation and the conditions of nature protection measures in the area in which it operates.”26

Brijuni was part of the MedPAN South Project, which was developed to create a network of MPAs to preserve the ecosystems and marine biodiversity of the Mediterranean by both increasing the effective management of current MPAs and promoting the establishment of new effectively managed MPAs.27

1.2.3 The MPA designation is permanent or is effective for at least 25 years.

Brijuni’s National Park designation is permanent.28

1.2.4 The MPA has a management plan that has been updated within the last 15 years.

Brijuni National Park’s current management plan covers the years 2016-2025.29

1.2.5 The MPA implements strategies to enforce its regulations and enhance compliance rates that are appropriate for the MPA’s size, accessibility, and poaching threats; managers report that regulations are actively and consistently enforced.

The management plan states that the protection of Brijuni’s underwater habitats has been given “special importance.” Park rangers conduct 24-hour surveillance of the park in shifts by car and foot on land, and by boat at sea. Brijuni National Park owns several different surveillance boats. Additionally, about once a month, the Maritime Police, Port Authority, Fishery Inspectorate, and sometimes, the Nature Protection Inspector carry out coordinated state surveillance of the wider coastal area that includes Brijuni.30,31 Illegal fishing and other activities banned in the MPA are punished through the Croatian court system, typically with fines. Managers report that incidents of non-compliance sometimes go unpunished because they can be hard to prove in court, however, they also report that rules and regulations are overall actively and consistently enforced.32

Two separate monitoring and research projects that have taken place in Brijuni in the last five years reported that Brijuni has a high level of MPA enforcement, and rangers “conduct regular and strict patrols.”33,34

26 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 12. 27 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 3. 28 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), pp. 6-7. 29 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 1. 30 Martina Hervat, Senior Expert Advisor, Public Institution Brijuni National Park, personal communication, 25 March 2021. 31 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 43. 32 Martina Hervat, Senior Expert Advisor, Public Institution Brijuni National Park, personal communication, 25 March 2021. 33 Giakoumi, S. et al. (2019) Exploring the relationships between marine protected areas and invasive fish in the world’s most invaded sea. Ecological Applications e01809. 34 Berković, B. et al. (2018) Monitoring of Posidonia oceanica meadows at Brijuni National Park, Croatia, Survey of 2018, p. 4.

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1.2.6 The MPA has a budget and staff.

Brijuni National Park is governed by a five-member Governing Board appointed by the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development. The board is responsible for adopting the management plan, issuing work orders, creating an annual financial plan, managing annual accounts, and selecting the General Manager of the Public Institution, who is responsible for managing the park and heading of departments and rangers.35

The Public Institution of Brijuni National Park has a total of 229 employees within ten organizational units:36,37 • Office of the General Manager • Department of Expert Protection, Maintenance, Preservation and usage of the National Park • Department for Supervision and Protection • Department of Hotel Management • Department for Excursion Tourism • Department for Promotion and Sales • Department for Finance, Accounting and Procurement • Department for Maintenance and Transport • Department for Human Resources, Legal and General Affairs • Projects Department

Of these 229 employees, 29 work within the Department of Supervision and Protection as rangers and firefighters. Employees in the Department of Expert Protection include five biologists, three archaeologists, a veterinarian and an agronomist, among others.38

Brijuni has an average annual budget of ~7,000,000 EUR (~8,340,530 USD). Funds for the Public Institution’s annual budget come from revenue secured by the Public Institution itself.39 Brijuni received minor financial contributions from the Croatian government for certain staff salaries and capital projects until 2014. Since then, the park has been financially independent and relies on revenue from tourism, donations, and European Union-funded projects (see Figure 3).40 It has garnered attention for its sustainable finance strategy which involves a concession program for tourist activities

35 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 13. 36 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 13. 37 Martina Hervat, Senior Expert Advisor, Public Institution Brijuni National Park, personal communication, 25 March 2021. 38 Martina Hervat, Senior Expert Advisor, Public Institution Brijuni National Park, personal communication, 25 March 2021. 39 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 16. 40 Martina Hervat, Senior Expert Advisor, Public Institution Brijuni National Park, personal communication, 25 March 2021.

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including boat tours, diving and kayaking. These funds are used to implement the MPA’s conservation goals.41

Figure 3: Brijuni’s primary sources of income from 2019 include Concessions fees (US $207,125) are shown in black, entrance fee tickets (US $3,142,060) are in dark blue, hotels and restaurants (US $5,714,150 USD) are in bright turquoise, donations (US $81,440) are in light blue, and other sources of income (US $988,490) are in light gray. Reoccurring costs included salaries (US $4,051,740), maintenance services for the MPA (US $2,064,030) and new materials and energy (US $1,701,030). Investment costs included purchases of long-term assets (boats, cars, computers, equipment – US $613,550) and studies and research (US $365,430). (Source: Brijuni National Park, 2020)

2.1 Award Status Criteria: Regulations Scores 1-3 = Platinum, 3-4 = Gold, 4-5 = Silver

Classification and scoring (1-8) of zones based on fishing gear, bottom exploitation, aquaculture, anchoring, and boating.

Additional consideration: Other activities The MPA score serves as a guide for the Science Council members in determining the award status of the site. Because the Regulation-Based Classification System for Marine Protected Areas is an estimate that sometimes conflates activities with very different impacts (e.g., salmon farming and oyster farming, SCUBA spearfishing and snorkel spearfishing) and excludes some damaging non-extractive recreational activities (e.g., snorkeling that results in high-impact coral reef trampling), the Science Council may decide a nominee’s awards status differently than the nominee’s MPA score indicates.

41 Brijuni National Park (2020) Case Study: Brijuni National Park, p. 1.

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It is important to note that Brijuni is a popular tourist destination in Croatia. Threats to the natural environment from human activities within the park and the surrounding area (e.g. waste from tourists, pollutants and organic substances in the water from nearby towns on the mainland) are noted in the management plan. The management plan also states the coastal habitats of Brijuni are well-preserved despite these threats, and includes plans to continue to manage, monitor, and mitigate these threats.42

The overall regulation score for Brijuni National Park is 1.36.

Brijuni National Park is divided into four zones: 1a) the Zone of Very Strict Protection, 1b) the Zone of Strict Protection, 2) the Zone of Directed Protection, and 3) the Zone of Usage (see Figure 1). Zone 1a and 1b are often grouped and collectively referred to as Zone 1 – the Zone of Strict Protection. The total sea area of these zones is 26.5 km2.43,44

1a) Zone of Very Strict Protection: 1.3 km2 Zone Classification: 1 Number of Fishing Gears Allowed: 0 Fishing Gear Impact Score: 0 Bottom Exploitation and Aquaculture Index: 0 Anchoring & Boating Index: 0

The Zone of Very Strict Protection is a no-take zone. The only permitted activities in this zone are monitoring and scientific research.45

1b) Zone of Strict Protection: 22.2 km2 Zone Classification: 1 Number of Fishing Gears Allowed: 0 Fishing Gear Impact Score: 0 Bottom Exploitation and Aquaculture Index: 0 Anchoring & Boating Index: 0

The Zone of Strict Protection is a no-take zone. Permitted activities include research, monitoring, and some strictly regulated tourist activities including diving with an expert instructor or concessionaire, free diving, and swimming at defined and well-marked locations, and sailing (no restrictions on size or type) within certain boundaries.46,47

2) Zone of Directed Protection: 3.1 km2

42 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 23, p. 41, pp. 74-115. 43 Martina Hervat, Senior Expert Advisor, Public Institution Brijuni National Park, Blue Park Nomination for Brijuni National Park, 26 February 2021. 44 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 119. 45 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 117. 46 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 117. 47 Martina Hervat, Senior Expert Advisor, Public Institution Brijuni National Park, personal communication, 14 April 2021.

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Zone Classification: 4 Number of Fishing Gears Allowed: 3 Fishing gears list (c indicates commercial, r indicates recreational or subsistence): triple hook (r), bottom fishing rod (r), and jigging for cephalopod (r) Fishing Gear Impact Score: 5 Bottom Exploitation and Aquaculture Index: 0 Anchoring & Boating Index: 1

The Zone of Directed Protection was designed for regulated fishing, which is permitted for fishers who purchase licenses. Fishing gears list (c indicates commercial, r indicates recreational or subsistence): triple hook (r), bottom fishing rod (r), and jigging for cephalopod (r).48 Bathing is also permitted on the islands ofSt. Jerolim (daily fee for admission) and Kozada (free of charge).. Other permitted activities include diving with an expert instructor or concessionaire, free diving, anchoring for small vessels within certain areas, and boating within specific navigable passages.49

3) Zone of Usage: 0.1 km2 Zone Classification: 3 Number of Fishing Gears Allowed: 0 Fishing Gear Impact Score: 0 Bottom Exploitation and Aquaculture Index: 0 Anchoring & Boating Index: 2

The Zone of Usage includes areas of lower conservation importance and areas of higher usage including harbors, moorings, and bathing resorts.50

2.2 Award Status Criteria: Design, Management and Compliance 5 Attributes = Platinum, 4 Attributes = Gold, 3 Attributes = Silver

2.2.1 Size: MPA ≥ 100 km2 or explicitly designed as part of a network of MPAs to support population connectivity.

The total marine area of the MPA is 26.5 km2.51 The total area (combined marine and terrestrial) of Brijuni National Park is 34 km2.

2.2.2 Ecological Isolation: Ecological or other protected area buffers surround habitats targeted for conservation within the MPA (e.g., soft sediment or deep water surrounding coral reefs).

48 Font, T. et al. (2012) Recreational Fishing Within Marine Protected Areas In the Mediterranean, p. 161. 49 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), pp. 117- 118. 50 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 118. 51 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 119.

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Brijuni does not have any designated buffer zone surrounding the MPA, but the area of the national park includes the sea and sea shelf surrounding the islands (see Figure 1), which provides a depth buffer around the sensitive shallow-water seagrass meadows.52 Since the terrestrial portions of the islands are also protected, this nearshore ecosystem is also buffered by protections and management on land.

2.2.3 Age: MPA regulations in the site, comparable to the current regulations, are ≥ 10 years old.

Brijuni National Park regulations have been legislated by the Code on Internal Procedures (National Gazette no. 75/00) since 2000. A new Code on Protection and Conservation is currently in development and will replace the original legislation once it is confirmed by the Croatian minister responsible for nature protection.53

Current MPA regulations were established with the publication of the management plan in 2016. After five years, the implementation and current results of the management plan will be analyzed and revised as necessary. After 10 years, a new management plan will be implemented that continues the work and revisions of the original.54

2.2.4 Effective Management Plan: Brijuni National Park’s management plan is thorough and well-organized. There are six main themes identified in the management, under which a number of goals, activities, and planned implementation periods are identified in tables: • Theme A: Protection and Preservation of Natural Heritage • Theme B: Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage • Theme C: Visitor Management • Theme D: Preservation and Maintenance of Inherited Cultivated Heritage and Traditional Cultivars • Theme E: Education, Interpretation and Promotion • Theme F: Management and Administration55 For more information, see pages 74-115 of the Brijuni National Park Management Plan (BNPMP) (2016-2021).

The management plan identifies 2.2.4.1 Measurable conservation targets Brijuni’s management plan identifies many measurable conservation targets for both land and sea areas of the national park. In particular, those most relevant to marine conservation in the MPA are associated with Theme A (pp. 74-87), Theme E (pp. 106- 110) and Theme F (pp. 111-115). The topics of these measurable conservation targets are summarized below:

52 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan, p. 17. 53 Martina Hervat, Senior Expert Advisor, Public Institution Brijuni National Park, personal communication, 14 April 2021. 54 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 130. 55 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), pp. 74-115.

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• Monitoring and preserving the status of marine habitats and species.56 • Monitoring and preserving the distribution of strictly protected and threatened marine species.57 • Preserving/increasing fish biomass throughout the sea area of the national park.58 • Educating park visitors and local population to raise awareness on the importance of environmental protection, as well as on natural and cultural heritage of Brijuni.59 • Securing the human and material resources needed for the successful implementation of the management plan, and continuing to enhance stakeholder engagement and cooperation.60

2.2.4.2 Threats to the conservation targets Threats related to each of the themes in the management plan are outlined in the introduction pages before each theme’s table.

Threats identified in Theme A include: • Rats are threatening the presence of European shag populations on Brijuni islands.61 • Tourism and waste carried by sea currents are threatening coastal habitats.62

No threats are identified in Theme E.

Threats identified in Theme F include: • Growing financial need and limited financial resources to improve Brijuni’s infrastructure (water supply, electricity, heating and cooling, wastewater drainage, traffic, telecommunications) and to move towards renewable energy sources.63 • Outdated Spatial Plan that does not meet the current needs of the park and is over- oriented towards tourism.64

Additional threats are identified throughout the management plan, particularly threats that relate to marine habitats and biodiversity such as human activity (e.g. pollution from the

56 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 83. 57 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 84. 58 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 84. 59 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), pp. 108- 109. 60 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), pp. 113- 115. 61 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 76. 62 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 77. 63 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 111. 64 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 112.

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nearby town of Pula, waste from tourists)65 and invasive species (specifically the invasive green algae, Caulerpa cylindracea which threatens Posidonia oceanica populations).66

2.2.4.3 Planned activities to mitigate threats and achieve conservation targets The following summarized list of activities identified in the management plan correspond to the bulleted conservation targets summarized in section 2.2.4.1: • Conduct monitoring and research on marine native and invasive species, preserve habitat types listed in the NATURA 2000 ecological network, and produce status monitoring reports.67 See BNPMP (2016-2021) pages 83-84 for more information. • Conduct regular research and status monitoring of Posidonia oceanica and noble pen shell populations, as well as other protected, threatened, and rare species. Produce status monitoring reports.68 See BNPMP (2016-2021) pages 83-84 for more information. • Continue visual surveys to assess conditions of fish stock, develop a system for monitoring sea urchins as a fish stock ecosystem indicator, and conduct regular patrols by rangers. Produce status monitoring reports and sea patrol reports.69 See BNPMP (2016-2021) pages 83-84 for more information. • Design and implement educational programs for school children, park visitors, and the public through social media, brochures, exhibitions, lectures, activities, and programs. Create and implement volunteer programs, and continue to train guides.70 See BNPMP (2016-2021) pages 108-109 for more information. • Maintain and upgrade park infrastructure, create and implement waste management plan, create a new Spatial Plan that better protects the natural and cultural heritage of Brijuni, and adopt a new Code of Practice for the internal structure and function of Brijuni and for protection and conservation.71 See BNPMP (2016-2021) pages 113-115 for more information.

Additionally, activities planned in response to the specific threats listed in Section 2.2.4.2. include for Theme A: • Controlling rat numbers to maintain European shag populations.72 • Conducting regular waste removal activities and involving local communities and the public in these activities.73

And Theme F:

65 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 23, p. 41. 66 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 43. 67 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 83. 68 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 84. 69 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 84. 70 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), pp. 108- 110. 71 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), pp. 113- 115. 72 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 76. 73 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 77.

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• Obtaining EU funds for updating utility systems.74 • Developing a new Spatial Plan.75

2.2.4.4 Monitoring plans to measure progress towards conservation targets In each theme’s table, identified goals and planned activities also include short, medium, and long term “activity indicators” to act as markers of progress. Specific implementation periods between 2016 and 2025 for each activity are also indicated in the tables. For more specific information on activity indicators and implementation timelines, see the BNPMP (2016-2025) pages 78-87 for Theme A, pages 108-110 for Theme E, and pages 113-115 for Theme F.

2.2.5 Community Engagement: The local community is engaged in the management of the MPA.

There are no permanent inhabitants of the islands within the boundaries of Brijuni National Park. However, during the drafting of the management plan, a number of meetings and workshops were held with the local mainland population, local government representatives, National Park employees, institutions, stakeholders, and non- governmental organizations (NGOs). Interviews were also held with Croatian government officials, representatives of towns/municipalities that Brijuni cooperates with administratively, Istria County officials, representatives of educational institutions from the municipality of Fažana, heads of local NGOs, concessionaires, and park visitors. These discussions helped to better incorporate the stakeholder and place user perspective into the planning and implementation of the MPA.76 Managers report that despite Covid restrictions collaborations with stakeholders and the local community are still active and growing. These partnerships include citizen science projects, beach clean-up events; and recently workshops, volunteering, and team-building activities with a foster home in Pula.77

2.2.6 Resources and Capacity: The MPA has adequate resources and capacity (including budget, staff, training, and leveraged partnership) to implement its management plan and its enforcement strategies.

Brijuni has effectively utilized concessions (mostly related to tourist activities like diving, boating, and kayaking) as an important part of its financial strategy which allows it to be financially independent. The park also generates significant revenue from hotels and restaurants, as well as some additional revenue from park entry fees. On average the annual park budget is approximately US $8,340,530, with no major fluctuations

74 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 111. 75 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 112. 76 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 70. 77 Martina Hervat, Senior Expert Advisor, Public Institution Brijuni National Park, personal communication, 14 April 2021.

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excluding Covid-related impacts.78 In 2019, Brijuni’s total income was approximately US $10,138,230. These financial resources are used to pay for a combination of recurring fees like employee salaries for the staff of about 260, maintenance services, materials, and energy costs, as well as long-term investments into assets such as boats, cars, and technology, and studies and research projects.79

It is important to note the impact that Covid-19 has had on the Croatian economy and Brijuni National Park, both of which rely heavily on tourism. As the 2020 case study of Brijuni’s financial strategies shows, the MPA relies heavily on tourist concessions and fees for income. The case study highlights that the concession mechanism, which Brijuni utilized to bring in over a quarter of its revenue in 2019, can be diversified beyond tourism, making it a relatively stable source of income, even as the pandemic has significantly impacted the tourist sector.80 Managers report that diversification efforts are currently in development.81,82 Several international projects funded by EU grants through the Interreg Med program and the Croatian government have already helped these efforts. Furthermore, the Brijuni Pocket Guide app for smartphones, which was in development before the pandemic, has allowed park guests to safely explore the islands in socially- distanced ways. Also, while the park has had to cut costs, namely on non-EU funded projects, all park employees have remained employed.83

In terms of partnerships and enforcement strategies, Brijuni has a "highly professional and satisfactory” level of cooperation between the park, the local population, the maritime police, and other institutions to preserve and protect its natural resources. This effort is also supported by expert consultants.84 While managers report that rules and regulations are actively and consistently enforced, they also report that park ranger staffing can be stretched thin due to their 24-hour monitoring responsibilities, especially in summers when tourism demands are highest.85

Surveillance records from Brijuni National Park indicate 36 incidents of non-compliance in 2020. Three were for illegal fishing, 20 were for illegal anchoring/mooring of vessels,

78 Martina Hervat, Senior Expert Advisor, Public Institution Brijuni National Park, personal communication, 25 March 2021. 79 Brijuni National Park (2020) Case Study: Brijuni National Park, p. 2. 80 Brijuni National Park (2020) Case Study: Brijuni National Park, p. 2. 81 Martina Hervat, Senior Expert Advisor, Public Institution Brijuni National Park, personal communication, 14 April 2021. 82 OpenChannels (2020) “Life after the pandemic will not be the same as before: How the revenue-savvy Brijuni National Park has navigated COVID-19 and is planning for the future.” Retrieved April 2020 from https://mpanews.openchannels.org/news/mpa-news/life-after-pandemic-will-not-be-same-how-revenue-savvy- brijuni-national-park-has. 83 OpenChannels (2020) “Life after the pandemic will not be the same as before: How the revenue-savvy Brijuni National Park has navigated COVID-19 and is planning for the future.” Retrieved April 2020 from https://mpanews.openchannels.org/news/mpa-news/life-after-pandemic-will-not-be-same-how-revenue-savvy- brijuni-national-park-has. 84 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 77. 85 Martina Hervat, Senior Expert Advisor, Public Institution Brijuni National Park, personal communication, 25 March 2021.

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and 13 were for park entry without a valid ticket. See the “Brijuni surveillance records 2020” document for more information.

Other current partners of Brijuni include: • Association for Nature, Environment and Sustainable Development Sunce86 • MedPAN87 • Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb • Juraj Dobrila, University of Pula, Department of Natural and Health Studies • Center for Marine Research, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Croatia • Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Poreč, Croatia88

3.1 System Priorities: Replicate Ecosystem Representation

Blue Parks prioritizes nominees and Blue Sparks protecting ecosystems that are under- represented within their biogeographic region (<30% are protected in Blue Parks) or are rare in the biogeographic region.

If awarded, Brijuni National Park would be second Blue Park in the Adriatic Sea region of the Mediterranean, representing a well-protected cross-section of Northern Adriatic marine habitats and biodiversity.89 Torre Guaceto (Silver, 2019) also protects a small region of the southern Adriatic Sea and also protects meadows of Posidonia oceanica, an extremely important marine seagrass species in the Mediterranean that is threatened across the region.90

3.2 System Priorities: Ecological Spatial Connectivity

Blue Parks also prioritizes nominees and Blue Sparks that improve ecological spatial connectivity among existing Blue Parks.

If awarded, Brijuni National Park would be the second Blue Park in the Adriatic Sea and the larger Mediterranean. Torre Guaceto (Silver, 2019) is approximately 560 km southeast of Brijuni National Park. We know of no evidence indicating ecological spatial connectivity between Torre Guaceto and Brijuni National Park, though connectivity between the two MPAs is possible, particularly given their similar ecosystems and the distribution of similar ecosystems that could act as stepping stones between the two.

86 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 2. 87 NP Brijuni (2021) MPA Networks. Retrieved March 2021 from https://www.np-brijuni.hr/en/eu-projects/projects- in-progress/mpa-networks 88 Martina Hervat, Senior Expert Advisor, Public Institution Brijuni National Park, personal communication, 14 April 2021. 89 Hervat, M., Blašković, A. (2019) Local vulnerability assessment of marine habitats to climate change, p. 3. 90 Guala, I. et al. (2012) Monitoring of Posidonia oceanica meadows in Croatian Protected Areas, pp. 7-8.

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Supplemental Information: Evidence of MPA Effects

Between 2008 and 2013, the abundance of fish stocks within the MPA boundaries was 166% higher than unprotected areas outside of the boundaries. Furthermore, fish biomass within the park was almost eight times higher than fish biomass in the surrounding unprotected areas.91 The latest report on fish stocks from 2019 showed a slight decrease in the difference in abundance between protected areas within the park and the unprotected areas surrounding the park, but there is still a notably higher abundance within the MPA.92

According to a study published in 2018, some of the Posidonia oceanica meadows in Brijuni are showing signs of decline. Specifically, the invasive algae, Caulpera cylindracea, was observed in the meadow in Pojer and showed signs of spreading. The authors of the research suggested that the observed decline in meadow health implicates larger scale threats, like regional increases in sea temperature.93

91 Public Institution Brijuni National Park (2016) Brijuni National Park Management Plan (2016-2025), p. 77. 92 Martina Hervat, Senior Expert Advisor, Public Institution Brijuni National Park, personal communication, 14 April 2021. 93 Berković, B. et al. (2018) Monitoring of Posidonia oceanica meadows at Brijuni National Park, Croatia, Survey of 2018, pp. 15-26.

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