Where Are the Live Noble Periwinkles? The Ministry Wants Your Help and Offers Rewards!
Have you ever heard of the noble periwinkle? It’s the largest shell in the Mediterranean, but sadly, it’s critically endangered! The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition has launched a campaign that will make you look into the sea and become a real nature detective.
What’s going on? The Ministry is calling on all citizens to report locations where live noble periwinkles have been spotted. And not just that – the most valuable informants will receive promotional materials, and those who confirm live specimens will have the honor of naming them! Imagine that – you get to name a shell that’s on the brink of extinction!
How to report? Reports are accepted all year round, but especially in summer when it’s easier to spot marine organisms in their natural habitat. You can send information via an online form, the Ministry’s email, or through the iNaturalist app, which is linked to the Croatian Biodiversity Atlas.
All reports are publicly available on the bioportal, where you can also see collected data so far. This is a great opportunity to get involved in science and nature conservation!
What do you get in return? Besides promotional materials, confirmed informants receive a family ticket to national parks like Brijuni, Telašćica, Aquarium Pula, South Kamenjak, Visitor Center Kanal sv. Ante, or the Blue Cave on Biševo. Who wouldn’t want to relax in nature while helping protect endangered species?
How to recognize a live periwinkle? It’s important not to touch the periwinkle! To check if it’s alive, gently pass your hand through the seawater above it – if it’s alive, it will close. An upright shell doesn’t mean the periwinkle is alive, as empty shells often remain upright in sediment for a long time. Also, oysters can react to touch, which can cause confusion.
Why is this important? The noble periwinkle is critically endangered globally. Its preservation is crucial for the health of Mediterranean marine ecosystems. By involving citizens in this campaign, the Ministry aims to raise awareness and collect data on the species’ status.
Conclusion This campaign is not just a call to report – it’s an invitation to adventure, a role as a guardian of nature, and a chance to leave your mark in protecting one of the most fascinating marine species. If you’ve ever wanted to be part of something bigger, now’s your chance!
So, what are you waiting for? Head to the beach, look into the sea, and maybe you’ll be the lucky one to name one of these magnificent shells. And if you’re not sure what a live periwinkle looks like, feel free to share this story with friends and make a little expedition. Who knows, the real sea star might be hiding right under your nose!
And hey, if you have a funny or unusual name suggestion for a periwinkle, drop it in the comments – let’s make this campaign both fun and useful!
