The ADP has become an integral part of the Management Plan for the Conservation of the Cres-Losinj Archipelago, the main objective of which is to achieve a general scheme for the management and conservation of the natural and cultural resources of the archipelago. The Management Plan, coordinated by the Island Development Center of Mali Losinj, includes a proposal for the institution of a marine reserve dedicated to the bottlenose dolphins in the Cres-Losinj archipelago.

In the marine reserve proposal, which is now an essential part of the Management Plan, the suggested strategies include direct measures for the protection of the dolphins, fishing regulations to prevent overexploitation by industrial fisheries and preserve small-scale artisanal fishing, and boating regulations. The 17th of May 1995 the Croatian Government showed its sensitivity to the dolphin conservation message by issuing strict laws for the protection of the marine mammals in the whole territory.

The importance of the conservation activities carried out in Losinj was recognized by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. In 1995 the ADP was selected as one of the projects participating in the ENCY, the European Nature Conservation Year.

Moreover, the ADP was awarded as one of the "Ten Greenest Projects" by the Italian Commission "Carnia Alpe Verde" (May 1995).

Cetaceans . . . Public awareness