Under communism, access to the island was restricted due to its proximity to the Austrian border and the only access bridge to the island was guarded by soldiers. Access to the island remained forbidden even after the end of communism and today, access is highly restricted. Since 15 May 2012, the island is a protected area and there is currently an initiative to declare the island a national park and connect it with the neighboring Danube-Auen National Park in Austria.