Marine ecosystem in Boka Kotorska faces pressure from cruise tourism

Mirko Đurović, director of the Institute of Marine Biology, has warned that the increasing number of cruise ships and other vessels is putting significant pressure on the marine ecosystem of the Bay of Kotor.

While the Institute's measurements show that cruise ships have not significantly impacted water quality, which has remained stable for 10 to 15 years, other factors pose serious threats. These include the high volume of secondary vessels supporting cruise tourism, underwater noise, and irresponsible anchoring that destroys vital Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows.

Đurović emphasized the need for Montenegro to develop a long-term strategy to manage cruise ship entries and improve anchoring regulations. Beyond tourism, the Montenegrin coast faces challenges from climate change, overfishing, rising sea temperatures, and invasive species. He suggested that Adriatic nations must collaborate on fishing regulations to allow fish stocks to recover. Despite these environmental concerns, the Institute reports that over 80 percent of monitored bathing areas maintain the highest water quality category.