Vis i područje istraživanja

Vis (43°02′N 16°09′E) is the outmost inhabited island of the Adriatic sea, some 50 km from the Croatian coast. It has the surface of about 90 km2, with the highest point at Hum on 587 m. The archipelago consists of several smaller islands like Biševo, Sveti Andrija,  Jabuka, Brusnik and Palagruža (creating the outer border of the research area) and a number of islets, reefs and rocks. The closest islands to Vis are Hvar (divided by 18 km wide  Vis channel), Korčula (33 km) and Lastovo (55km). These islands create the inner border of the research area.   The climate on the island is typically Mediterranean with long, hot and dry summers and short and mild winters, with the average annual temperature of about 16° C.

Vis archipelago, and particularly the surrounding sea, has been identified as biodiversity hot-spot. Several local, national and international initiatives and projects are under way working on identification of particularly vulnerable and rare species and/or areas for conservation and sustainable development of the island. The Vis archipelago has also been designated as part of Croatian National Ecological Network. All this activities are aiming to protect this valuable piece of the Mediterranean.  Of course, part of the biodiversity mosaic are Cetaceans, and information obtained through research will help understand the way this ecosystem functions.

The island of Vis is also rich in history, and ancient sites and ruins. The colonisation of the island was started by the Illyrians, Greeks and Romans. In 4th century BC Greeks established their first colony called Issa. Different artefacts especially ceramics and numerous amphorae, the remains of the therme from 1st century BC and the remains of the walls and mosaics can be seen on site or in the Archaeological museum. The Croats began colonizing the island in the 8th century AD.

On the opposite sides of the island there are two small cities - Vis (founded on the remains of the old Issa) and Komiža.  Vis city with its Renaissance and Baroque palaces, stone houses and churches from 16th and 17th century is a picturesque place. The Komiža city is a traditional old stone city and Adriatic's most famous fisherman port. Komiža fishermen of the 17th century developed their own type of fishing boat, the Falkusa which was used even in the second half of the 20th century because of its excellent features. The interior of the island with hills and valleys, vineyards and olive-grows is full of small villages and settlements. The 76 nautical miles long, indented shore it abounds in sandy and pebbly beaches, rocks, sea and mountain caves.  

Through history Vis has been an important strategic point. The most famous marine battles have been fought around the island (in 1811 between Great Britain and France and in 1866. between Austria and Italy, ) and numerous shipwrecks still attracts interest. During World War II, Vis was at one point the main free territory and resistance movement stronghold. After the war, the Yugoslav People's Army used the island as one of its main naval bases. Due to Army's presence Vis was closed for visits of any foreigners. This 50 years long isolation, although hard on the inhabitants, helped in keeping the island as one of the most pristine place in the entire Mediterranean.