The sea is one of the greatest natural treasures of Portorož & Piran. But beneath its sparkling surface lies a fascinating underwater world that many visitors never get to see. Meet its inhabitants, discover the work of a local marine conservation organisation and find out how even small actions can help protect the sea we all love.
A hidden world beneath the waves
Did you know that the Slovenian sea is home to seahorses, colourful sea slugs, starfish, crabs, octopuses and countless other fascinating creatures?
Many of these animals live just below the surface, hidden among rocks, seagrass and the seabed.
Helping people discover and protect this underwater world is the mission of YouSea Institute (Zavod YouSea), a local non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting marine biodiversity in the Portorož & Piran destination.
Through research, educational activities and conservation projects, YouSea works to preserve the richness of the Slovenian sea for future generations.
One of its projects, Inhabitants of Your Sea, introduces visitors to the creatures living beneath the waves.
The idea behind it is simple: we are more likely to protect what we know and care about.
After all, the sea is much more than a place for swimming, sailing or enjoying beautiful sunsets. It is a living ecosystem where every creature has an important role to play.
Sea Oasis Piran – giving something back to the sea
One of YouSea’s most remarkable projects is Sea Oasis Piran, located in the Bay of Piran.
But what exactly is a sea oasis?
Imagine an underwater structure that creates new places for marine life to grow, settle and find shelter.
The seabed in this part of the Adriatic is mostly soft and muddy, with relatively few natural hard surfaces. YouSea’s specially designed underwater structures provide new surfaces where mussels, sponges, algae and other marine organisms can settle, while fish can find shelter nearby.
Sea Oasis Piran is both a marine habitat and an underwater research area. Scientists observe how marine life develops around these structures and explore more sustainable ways of farming marine organisms.
The project shows how research and carefully planned human activities can contribute to a healthier marine environment.
Discover the sea from a different perspective
You don’t have to be a marine biologist or an experienced diver to discover the wonders of the Slovenian sea.
YouSea brings marine life closer to visitors through guided experiences, interactive workshops, underwater photography exhibitions and educational programmes.
Among its initiatives are:
- Sea Oasis Piran: exploring marine biodiversity and sustainable aquaculture.
- Inhabitants of Your Sea: discovering fascinating creatures through underwater photography and educational content.
- Blue School: helping children and young people understand and care for the sea.
- Seagrass Meadows – Green Treasures of the Sea: learning about underwater meadows and their importance for marine life.
These activities offer a different way to experience the coast – one that combines discovery, learning and respect for nature.
Small actions can make a big difference
Protecting the sea isn’t just the responsibility of scientists and environmental organisations. Every visitor can help.
Here are a few simple things you can do during your holiday:
- Leave marine animals where they belong. Observe them without disturbing or removing them from their natural habitat.
- Say no to unnecessary single-use plastics. Bring a reusable water bottle and shopping bag.
- Keep beaches and the sea clean. Always dispose of your waste responsibly.
- Choose responsible experiences. Support activities that respect the marine environment.
- Share what you’ve learned. Encourage friends and family to discover and protect marine life.
Even the smallest actions matter when we all work together.
Become a member of YouSea Institute
Would you like to do more than simply admire the sea?
By becoming a member of YouSea Institute, you can support a local organisation working to protect marine biodiversity, raise awareness and inspire future generations.
Your support helps sustain ongoing research, educational programmes and marine conservation activities.
It is also a wonderful way to stay connected to Portorož & Piran, even after your holiday has ended.
Help protect the Slovenian sea and become part of the YouSea community.
For more information about membership and how to get involved, visit YouSea Institute.
You can also help with your time, knowledge or a donation
There are many ways to support marine conservation.
YouSea welcomes people who wish to contribute through volunteering, sharing knowledge, participating in activities or making a donation.
You don’t need to make a large contribution to make a difference. Your time, ideas and support can help keep valuable marine conservation projects alive.
You can also make a one-time or regular donation through the institute’s official donation page.
Every contribution helps support the people and projects dedicated to protecting the Slovenian sea.
Take home more than just memories of the sea
A holiday in Portorož & Piran is the perfect opportunity to discover the beauty of the Adriatic – not only above the surface, but also beneath it.
Once you learn about the fascinating creatures living in our sea and the importance of protecting their habitats, the sea becomes more than just a beautiful holiday backdrop.
It becomes something you feel connected to and want to protect.
Perhaps the best gift we can give the sea is to leave it just as we found it – or even better.
Discover more about the projects, activities and ways to get involved on the YouSea Institute website.
Contact: info@yoursea.org | +386 41 502 616
