Electric fence on Croatian island raises questions over public access to coast

(Photo: Morski.hr)

An electrified fence around a coastal property and area in Vela Čavojnica Bay on the Croatian island of Vis, which has since been removed, has raised questions over access to Croatia’s maritime public domain.

After being first reported by Morski.hr, an urgent inspection by Croatian authorities found a wire fence approximately 1.6 metres high and carrying an electrical charge had been installed on part of the maritime public domain.

According to the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, the fencing had been erected on both sides of the bay and was preventing access to the beach. Photographs also showed warnings indicating that the fence was dangerous to people.

The owner was immediately ordered to remove the fence. According to the Ministry, he told officials that he was not familiar with Croatian laws and removed the structure following the order.

The Port Authority of Split also filed a misdemeanour report over the obstruction of maritime public domain.

The issue has prompted discussion among residents and visitors over where private property ends and publicly accessible maritime land begins.

The case has attracted attention because Croatia’s coastline and islands contain extensive areas classified as maritime public domain, where public access and use are governed by specific rules. At the same time, owners of private properties along the coast raise interests in privacy and security.

For visitors, the expectation of being able to reach the Croatian coastline remains an important part of the country’s tourism identity. For authorities, meanwhile, cases such as this underline the need for clear boundaries and effective enforcement where public maritime space and private property meet.

What Croatian law says

Croatia’s Maritime Domain and Sea Ports Act sets out clear rules on the use and protection of the country’s coastline. Under Article 4, maritime domain is defined as a public good of interest to Croatia, and everyone has the right, under equal conditions, to use it in accordance with its nature and purpose.

The Act goes further in Article 12, stating that without a legal basis provided by the law, no one may limit or exclude the general use of maritime domain or occupy maritime domain for themselves or another person.

The legislation also specifically requires authorities managing maritime domain to prioritise free public access to the sea and coast. Article 9 states that management should ensure free access to the public while protecting the environment and preventing inappropriate development along the coast.

For beaches, the rules are even more explicit. Natural beaches may not be fenced or have access otherwise restricted, while public beaches must be accessible to everyone under equal conditions and may not be fenced or excluded from general use.

The law also provides enforcement powers. Where an inspector establishes the unlawful restriction of general use of maritime domain, the inspector can issue an order prohibiting its use.

In the Vis case, authorities’ decision to order the removal of the fence therefore comes against a legal framework that places public access to Croatia’s coast at the centre of maritime-domain management.