Since the beginning of the year, 110,000 tickets have been sold for Skadar Lake National Park, marking a 15 percent increase compared to last year, said Nenad Ivanović, the park’s director. This highlights Skadar Lake as one of the most attractive tourist destinations, although the park’s infrastructure is under increasing pressure.
Ivanović expects visitor numbers to exceed last year’s by 15 to 20 percent if weather conditions remain favorable. There is growing interest in boat rides and visits to the park’s two visitor centers—one in Vranjina featuring all of Montenegro’s national parks through interactive displays, and another multimedia center in Virpazar dedicated solely to Skadar Lake. Visitor education is emphasized as crucial for park preservation.
However, the rise in tourism brings challenges, including a growing problem with illegal operators transporting tourists on the lake without paying required park fees. This gray economy activity threatens the park’s budget and its ability to maintain and protect the area. To combat this, the park has engaged private security working alongside inspectors to physically monitor park entrances.
Another concern is the increasing number of illegal floating and temporary structures, especially in the Karuč area. While one illegal structure was recently confiscated and seven others voluntarily removed, illegal construction persists in other locations, creating the need for a coordinated response from authorities, which is complicated by unclear jurisdiction.
Poaching and illegal fishing remain serious issues. Despite regular patrols and more inspectors, some offenders evade capture by crossing into Albania, beyond Montenegrin jurisdiction. Poaching is particularly active in late autumn and winter but occurs year-round, threatening fish populations and the lake’s ecosystem sustainability.
Long-term plans include major reconstruction of the Virpazar bridge and development of new parking facilities to ease current infrastructure strain. The parking project awaits approval before construction can begin.
Increased inspections during the tourist season target illegal activities, especially unauthorized tourist transport. Various authorities, including maritime and tourism inspections, are working together to curb these violations and protect both the natural environment and legitimate business operations.
The park’s protection service has recently enhanced its technical equipment, acquiring new outboard motors and expecting delivery of an additional motor and patrol vessel soon. This will boost the ability to conduct daily monitoring, enforcement, and rapid response to incidents, improving the preservation of natural resources and curbing illegal activities on the lake.
Ivanović called on citizens and tourists to enjoy Skadar Lake’s beauty while respecting rules to preserve this natural treasure for future generations.
