There's also a hefty fine for misconduct.

A new wave of enforcement actions has been launched in Slovenia’s Strunjan Nature Park, targeting visitors who violate strict environmental protection rules. The park, one of the most visited protected areas along the Slovenian coast, attracts approximately 350,000 visitors annually. Officials have warned that certain behaviors, such as collecting plants, removing marine organisms, or altering the coastline, are not just discouraged but strictly prohibited due to their harmful impact on the sensitive ecosystem. The controversy began with a photograph circulating online showing a woman gathering sea urchins on the beach. Many interpreted this as a violation of the park's regulations, sparking heated discussions. According to reports, nature wardens frequently observe visitors removing sea urchins, sand dollars, sea stars, and other marine creatures from the shore. Brina Knez, a nature warden at the park, emphasized that such actions reduce biodiversity and disrupt the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem. She noted that even seemingly harmless activities can lead to irreversible damage. Collecting common sea urchins presents a more complex issue. While the species is listed on Slovenia’s Red List of endangered plant species, its inclusion does not automatically grant legal protection. Regulations state that picking wild plants, removing animals, or damaging vegetation is forbidden in both nature reserves within the park, regardless of whether the species is protected or not. This means that even non-listed species face penalties if disturbed. In addition to plant collection, visitors often engage in other disruptive activities. Data from 2025 indicates that unauthorized cycling accounts for nearly 40% of all violations recorded in the park, followed by illegal parking at 27%. Cycling along cliffs and embankments of the Strunjan saltworks poses a serious risk. These structures are primarily used for water management infrastructure, yet cyclists cause erosion, damage the terrain, and disturb wildlife. Narrow paths also increase the danger for pedestrians. Other restrictions apply throughout the park. Littering, pollution of water and soil, destruction of animal nests and habitats, motor vehicle use outside public roads, parking away from designated areas, unauthorized camping, and boating or anchoring in restricted zones are all prohibited. In the nearby Škocjan Cave Reserve, officials recently issued warnings after a small dog chased a young otter, causing fatal injuries. This incident underscores the potential consequences of seemingly minor actions. Rules in the nature reserve include mandatory use of a short leash for dogs, movement along designated trails and viewpoints, and avoiding loud noises that disturb wildlife or other visitors. Physical contact with free-roaming or fed animals is also prohibited. Activities such as swimming, sunbathing, diving, and other water sports are banned. Smoking, camping, and overnight stays in vehicles are not allowed. Group visits require prior coordination with the manager, while cycling is permitted only along the marked trail near the reserve’s edge. Enforcement efforts continue to expand as visitor numbers grow, particularly during summer months. Authorities are increasingly focused on addressing violations that threaten the integrity of the area. With stricter measures in place, the goal remains to preserve the unique ecological value of the region for future generations.