In 2020, Mali Ston oyster received a Protection Designation of Origin mark at the European level. This is the first label of quality for the farmed European flat oyster in the entire European Union. After 5 years of work by local farmers, the specificity and quality of Mali Ston oyster has been confirmed by the European Commission.

In addition to the European Protected Designation of Origin which guarantees authenticity through the control system, the state conducts regular monitoring of the area in accordance to European standards. All parameters of sea quality and shellfish quality are controlled on a weekly basis.

The protection of Mali Ston Bay prevents construction on the shores and thus ensures the stability of the fragile ecosystem. Along with tradition and specificity of Mali Ston oyster, it closes an ideal model of sustainable development.

Planned and rational management is the way for it to become a model of sustainable management of protected natural areas, not only at the Croatian level, but at the European level.