Bulgaria’s outgoing Minister of Environment and Water Borislav Sandov declared Coral Bay a protected area. The entry of motor-driven vessels, except for fishing boats, is prohibited from October 1 until March 1. The use of bottom trawls and dredges is also prohibited. 

Tsarevo Mayor Georgi Lapchev stood firmly against the new statute of Coral Bay and local fishermen said they would launch protests. 

The Lom River has also been declared a protected area. The protected area aims to restore the river ecosystem and maintain the habitats of valuable species. Lom River covers an area of 3,752 decares (375.3 hectares). According to the Protected Areas Act, construction of hydroelectric power plants and construction of facilities that prevent the migration of fish and other aquatic organisms, are forbidden.