Sea Oasis Piran - Exploring and protecting marine ecosystems through underwater drone research
Experience a unique exploration of the underwater world with an underwater drone and discover the Marine Oasis Piran, a pioneering sustainable aquaculture project that combines the cultivation of marine organisms with the restoration of the marine environment.
During this experience, you will learn about the importance of preserving biodiversity and how every marine organism contributes to the balance of our planet.
Your participation will directly support the YouSea Institute and its efforts to protect the Slovenian sea and restore marine ecosystems.
€890 / per group of up to 10 people
THE EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
- A boat ride to the Marine Oasis Piran, where you’ll learn about the unique features of the Slovenian sea, factors influencing its changes, and the importance of preserving marine biodiversity.
- Exploration of the underwater world with an underwater drone, allowing you to discover the Marine Oasis Piran, a unique underwater structure that provides shelter for numerous marine organisms.
- Insight into the history and significance of sustainable aquaculture, including the story of Ugo Fonda, the founder of the project, and his pioneering work in multitrophic aquaculture.
- A delicious tasting of authentic Istrian delicacies at the end of the exploration, featuring homemade bread, cottage cheese spread, Istrian cheese, local olives, premium extra virgin olive oil, and salt from the Piran salt pans.
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Visit a unique underwater structure
Marine ecosystem conservation and sustainable aquaculture
The Marine Oasis Piran is not just a tourist attraction, but a pioneering project of sustainable multitrophic aquaculture. This innovative underwater structure, designed over 30 years ago by Ugo Fonda—a diver, fisherman, and founder of the Fonda fish farm—combines the cultivation of marine organisms, such as oysters, with the restoration of the marine environment. In this project, oysters are not only a food source, but also exceptional water filters, contributing to the purification and improvement of water quality, which in turn supports healthy marine life.
During your exploration, you will discover how this structure supports marine ecosystem conservation, offering habitat to many species, from tube worms and crustaceans to tunicates and cnidarians. You’ll learn how different marine organisms contribute to balance in the sea, each playing a crucial role in the process of restoration and maintenance of a healthy marine environment. Using an underwater drone, you’ll observe how these organisms develop and why this innovative structure is vital for the restoration and preservation of biodiversity.
A special focus will be given to the origin and development of the Marine Oasis Piran, one of the first structures of its kind in the world, designed for sustainable marine farming. Awaken your curiosity and discover why preserving biodiversity is essential for the health of our planet. Marine biodiversity is not only the foundation of healthy marine ecosystems, but it plays a critical role in the balance of the entire planet. You’ll understand how every organism – from the smallest plankton to larger fish and shellfish – contributes to ocean stability, and why protecting these species is crucial.
This experience will also allow you to explore the challenges posed by invasive alien species, which threaten the balance of the marine environment. The YouSea Institute actively responds to these challenges and works toward the protection of the Slovenian sea and the restoration of its ecosystems.
Exploring the underwater world with cutting-edge technology
Experience the underwater world as if you were diving yourself and discover the first structure of its kind in Slovenia – the Marine Oasis Piran. This innovative underwater structure serves as a home and refuge for numerous marine organisms, such as oysters, which are exceptional natural water filters, along with many other species that are slowly developing in this unique environment. During your exploration, you’ll discover the richness of marine life, from various tube worms, crustaceans, tunicates, and cnidarians, to numerous fish species that have found shelter in the openings of the structure.
After a brief introduction on land, you’ll board a pontoon boat that will take you toward the Marine Oasis Piran. During the ride, you’ll learn about the characteristics of the Slovenian sea, the factors influencing its changes, and the importance of preserving marine biodiversity. We will also discuss the pressures on the Slovenian sea and highlight the efforts of the local community—from fish farmers and divers to marine biologists—to protect these valuable ecosystems.
Upon arrival at the platform near the Oasis, an experienced underwater drone pilot will guide the exploration. You’ll observe the underwater world via screen and get to know the diverse marine organisms that inhabit the structure. In addition to biological exploration, you’ll encounter a unique sustainable farming site—a true underwater art gallery featuring over 80 artistic interpretations of the noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis). These serve both as experimental growing surfaces for marine organisms and as a tool for raising awareness about the species’ extinction.
On the return journey, we’ll sail through a shellfish farming area, observe the growth of mussels, and discuss the importance of locally produced food and environmentally friendly aquaculture. The Marine Oasis Piran plays a key role in sustainable production, enabling regeneration of the marine environment and natural cultivation of marine life.
Sustainable conservation of marine ecosystems and enjoyment of the Istrian culinary experience
After exploring the underwater world, you’ll enjoy a delicious tasting of authentic Istrian delicacies on land, connecting you with the local tradition and culinary heritage that has shaped life by the sea for centuries.
You will enjoy:
- homemade bread
- cottage cheese spread with Mediterranean herbs
- Istrian cheese
- local olives
- premium extra virgin olive oil, and
- salt from the Piran salt pans
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This culinary experience will take you to the heart of Istria, where you’ll discover “liquid gold” – olive oil, a symbol of the long-standing tradition of olive cultivation in the region. Olive oil is not just an ingredient but a part of cultural heritage, connecting people along the coast through centuries. Bread represents warmth, hospitality, and community, while salt connects you directly to the sea – a key element of life and tradition in this coastal environment.
You’ll also enjoy natural drinks, made from water infused with herbs and seasonal fruits, refreshing and perfectly complementing the experience.
This culinary journey is the perfect conclusion to your underwater exploration – it blends nature, art, and science while offering insight into the importance of biodiversity conservation through the sustainable use of natural resources.
In the company of our marine conservationists, you’ll learn why marine life is crucial for the planet’s health. You’ll explore how different marine ecosystems function, how every organism – from the tiniest plankton to fish and shellfish – contributes to ocean balance, and why protecting them is essential.
By purchasing this experience, you’re supporting the work of the YouSea Institute, which is dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Slovenian sea and its ecosystems. Participants will also have the opportunity to become members of YouSea and actively contribute to our mission of preserving marine biodiversity.
Your presence and support directly help protect these precious natural habitats for future generations.