At a time when marine ecosystems are increasingly exposed to the pressure of marine litter and plastic, Cromaris launched an eco-educational project titled “Riba pamti – Kali za čisto more”.
The project, with a total value of 15,614.13 euros, was co-financed by European Union funds through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Program as part of the FLAG “Plodovi mora” call for proposals.
The sea is the foundation of identity, survival, and overall life in our island communities. However, the modern way of life brings dangerous challenges—with the accumulation of waste on the seabed being among the most prominent. Plastic poses a particular threat, as it breaks down over time into minute microplastic particles. By entering the marine food chain, this waste returns to where it all began—back onto our plates—thereby endangering both marine biodiversity and the health of us all.
Although Cromaris is headquartered in Zadar, its operations are inextricably linked to Kali through the Lamjana farm. Sharing the same marine area and resources with the local population, the company assumed the role of a driver of concrete change in underwater protection. The goal of the project is not merely a one-time cleanup, but the establishment of a permanent education system and encouraging the community toward more responsible behavior.
The project consists of two interconnected activities that combine environmental care, education, and local community involvement.
The central element of the project is the installation “Riba pamti”, a unique sculpture made of anti-corrosive steel located at Mala Lamjana beach. Its latticed belly serves as a container for plastic packaging, allowing anyone who visits to contribute to sea preservation both symbolically and concretely.
The sculpture serves as a reminder that plastic discarded in the environment often ends up in the sea, where it can be ingested by fish and other marine organisms. Alongside the installation is an information board that explains in a simple and understandable way how microplastics are formed, how they enter the food chain, and why it is important to prevent their creation.
The “Riba pamti” installation remains a permanent reminder that even small changes in daily habits can have a major positive impact on preserving our sea.
Parallel to setting up the installation, the extensive “Kali za čisto more” campaign was carried out, which encompassed simultaneous cleanups at two locations. While divers from the Underwater Activities Club (KPA) Zadar cleaned the seabed in the port of Mul, a coastal cleanup action was organized on Mala Lamjana beach. By involving volunteers, residents, and different generations of the local community, these activities not only directly protect the marine environment but also strengthen social cohesion and convey a key message of shared responsibility for our sea.
A clean sea is a prerequisite for a healthy fish stock, top quality local products, and the preservation of the island way of life. Through the project “Riba pamti – Kali za čisto more”, we demonstrate how the joint efforts of the economic, public, and civil sectors create lasting value for generations to come. By protecting the sea, we safeguard the future of us all.
Duration of the project: 1 June 2026 – 30 June 2026
The project Riba pamti – Kali za čisto more is co-funded by the EU’s European Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund
