Imagine this: a whale has been spotted in the Bay of Kotor, one of the most beautiful bays on the Adriatic! Yes, you read that right — a whale! This sighting is so rare that the Marine Ecological Resource Sector (MERS) had to issue an urgent call to all boat users, sailors, tourists, and citizens to behave as if their lives depend on it. Why? Because the whale is a strictly protected species, and any careless action can disturb, injure, or even threaten its survival.
MERS clearly stated: reduce the speed of vessels in the area where the whale was spotted, do not approach it, do not use underwater devices that could disorient the animal, and immediately report any sighting or suspicion of an injured animal to the relevant authorities. This is not just a local issue — Montenegro is a signatory to the international ACCOBAMS agreement, which obliges member states to take measures to protect whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals from the negative impacts of maritime traffic, noise, and pollution.
The Institute of Marine Biology confirmed that the whale was seen in the Herceg Novi bay, and footage quickly flooded social media. This occurrence is so rare that it caused a real stir among sailors and tourists. Whales like this are usually seen in distant seas, and their appearance in the Adriatic is a sign that something unusual is happening in nature.
But let’s be honest — how many people actually respect these appeals? How many will slow down their vessels or refrain from approaching? MERS and the Institute of Marine Biology urge everyone to respect nature and not disturb this marine giant, but will that be enough?
This is an opportunity for all of us to ask how much we care about nature and how willing we are to sacrifice for the preservation of one of the most impressive species on the planet. The whale in the Bay of Kotor is not just a tourist attraction — it is a symbol of Montenegro’s natural heritage and a warning to all of us to better protect our sea.
If you have seen or filmed whales in the Adriatic, or have a crazy story about encountering these marine giants, feel free to share! Maybe your story will inspire someone to behave more responsibly towards nature. And if not… maybe it’s time to start thinking about how your behavior affects the world around you. Who knows, maybe next time the whale will come right up to your boat!
