The Adriatic Sea has turned into a stage for a true marine sensation! A whale was spotted in the Herceg Novi bay, and a young great white shark was caught and released near the Montenegrin coast. Yes, you read that right – a whale and a great white shark, two powerful marine creatures, have appeared in the Adriatic, a rare and exciting event that has stirred the entire region.
Experts from the Institute of Marine Biology in Kotor confirmed that the appearance of a whale in the Adriatic is extremely rare but not unprecedented. Whales, mostly of the species Balaenoptera physalus, occasionally stray into the southern Adriatic during the warmer months, likely in search of food or during migration. This sighting has attracted great attention and excitement, with videos of the whale peacefully swimming near Herceg Novi going viral on social media.
At the same time, fisherman Gojko Mitrović caught and then released a young great white shark at a depth of several meters, about 12 kilometers off the Montenegrin coast. Although the great white shark is known as a powerful predator, its presence in the Adriatic is not new but certainly rare. The last recorded incident involving this species occurred in 2019 near the island of Vis in Croatia, resulting in a fatality. However, experts emphasize there is no reason to panic as the specimens seen in Montenegro are small and pose no threat.
These occurrences indicate increased biodiversity in the Adriatic Sea, which is great news for nature but also a call for caution and responsible behavior from all sea users. The Institute of Marine Biology urges owners of sports and recreational vessels to reduce speed and avoid approaching animals to prevent disturbing or injuring these rare marine inhabitants. Tourists and locals are also called upon not to disturb marine species and to report any sightings of whales or sharks to the relevant authorities.
Besides the whale and shark, in recent days, sea turtles and a rare Mediterranean monk seal have been spotted in the southern Adriatic, further confirming the richness of marine life in this region. These sightings highlight the importance of preserving the marine ecosystem, and we all must be part of the solution, not the problem.
So next time you enjoy the beach or sail the Adriatic, remember you’re not alone – maybe one of these marine giants is swimming nearby! And if you have a funny or unusual encounter with marine life, feel free to share it in the comments – who knows, maybe you’ll be the next to capture a rare sighting!
