Impact of Wild Anchoring: Case Study Zadar County

Nautical tourism represents one of the most dynamic segments of tourism development in the Republic of Croatia, particularly in Zadar County, which attracts a great number of boaters due to its indented coastline, numerous islands, and exceptionally favourable sailing conditions. As a result of significant spatial pressure and insufficient regulatory control, problems related to wild anchoring (anchoring of vessels outside organized and properly equipped anchorages) are particularly evident in this county. The authors research the impacts of such anchoring and analyse their environmental, social, and economic consequences. The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the cumulative effects of wild anchoring on marine ecosystems and on the socio-economic life of local communities, to develop a strategy for the systematic management of nautical tourism in the region. The authors analyse key ecological parameters related to the condition of Posidonia oceanica meadows, seawater quality, and the presence of anthropogenic pressures, as well as social and economic indicators reflecting local community responses, tourism demand, and destination sustainability. Field research will utilize specialized equipment (e.g., drones, ROVs, and thermal imaging cameras) alongside diving activities to analyze key ecological parameters for evaluating anchoring impacts on the sea floor. Such an analytical framework enables a comparative assessment of trends and an evaluation of the broader consequences of pressures caused by wild anchoring. The analysis has shown that wild anchoring is one of the most immediate sources of degradation of sensitive benthic habitats. Posidonia oceanica, whose meadows are crucial for biodiversity, sediment stabilisation, and carbon sequestration, is highly endangered. Mechanical damage caused by the dragging of anchors and anchor chains causes meadow fragmentation, long-term loss of biological productivity, and diminished ecological functions. Moreover, secondary environmental effects are also analysed, such as increased water turbidity, reduced transparency, and potential eutrophication resulting from the discharge of wastewater and detergents from vessels. Such processes negatively affect photosynthesis and reduce the resilience of marine ecosystems. Social impacts of wild anchoring are equally complicated. In Zadar County, whose local communities highly depend on natural resources and tourism, anchoring outside regulated zones leads to a deterioration in the quality of life of the local population. Residents of coves and island settlements frequently report disturbances to local tranquillity, excessive pressure on coastal areas, congestion in maritime access routes, and insufficient monitoring and regulation of visitor behaviour. The analysis results also indicate a decline in trust toward management institutions since the local population believes that community resources are being used without contributing to public revenues or without compliance with regulations. Such a perception increases social tensions and weakens community cohesion, particularly in areas already subject to seasonal fluctuations. Economic aspects of wild anchoring are considered through immediate and long-term effects. As an immediate effect, the absence of control and anchoring fee collection, results in the loss of revenue that could be directed towards coastal infrastructure maintenance, monitoring, and environmental protection. As a long-term effect, degradation of ecosystems affects the attractiveness of the destination, and complicates the development of high-quality local products that depend on a well-preserved natural environment. The authors analyse this connection, highlighting that environmental degradation directly affects the economy, from lower tourism income to higher expenses for habitat repair and restoration. Thus, economic losses outweigh the short-term benefits of cheap and uncontrolled approach to the space. Ultimately, the results of the analysis indicate that wild anchoring in Zadar County leads to significant and interrelated environmental, social, and economic consequences that threaten the long-term sustainability of nautical tourism. Therefore, the authors emphasise the need for more systematic management, including the development of ecological anchorages, strengthened monitoring, and user education, in order to ensure the sustainability of natural resources and the quality of life of local communities in one of the most important nautical regions in Croatia.