Whale and Great White Shark in Montenegro: Has the Adriatic Become a Marine Circus?
The Adriatic Sea, once calm and known for its clear waters and rich marine life, is now in the spotlight due to the appearance of two giants of the marine world – a whale and a great white shark – in Montenegro! Is this a sign of increased biodiversity or the beginning of marine chaos?
Rare sighting or new normal?
According to the Institute of Marine Biology in Kotor, a whale was spotted in the Bay of Herceg Novi, confirmed as a rare but not unprecedented occurrence. Experts say whales occasionally appear in the southern Adriatic, mostly during warmer months, and this whale likely got lost during migration.
At the same time, fisherman Gojko Mitrović caught and released a young great white shark at a depth of 12 meters, 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 rare. The last fatal incident involving this species was recorded in 2003 near the island of Vis in Croatia.
Experts call for caution but no panic
Ilija Ćetković from the Institute appeals to citizens and tourists to behave responsibly, especially near fishing boats and during early morning hours when marine animals are most active. He also advises not to disturb marine species if spotted near the shore.
Increased biodiversity or danger?
Besides the whale and shark, sea turtles and a rare Mediterranean monk seal have been spotted recently, indicating increased biodiversity in this part of the sea. However, experts emphasize that such occurrences highlight the need to preserve the marine ecosystem and strictly follow maritime traffic rules.
Is the Adriatic ready for such encounters?
While some tourists enjoy rare encounters with these magnificent animals, others wonder if the Adriatic is ready for such meetings. Are local authorities and tourists sufficiently educated on how to behave in the presence of large marine predators? Will these appearances become more frequent due to climate change or other factors?
Conclusion: Nature or chaos?
The Adriatic Sea shows signs of richness and diversity but also challenges brought by coexistence with large marine animals. While experts call for caution and responsible behavior, the question remains – will we be able to enjoy these sights without fear and panic?
If you have had the chance to see a whale or shark in the Adriatic, or have a bizarre marine encounter to share, feel free to drop a comment! Who knows, maybe the Adriatic has become a new marine circus, and we are just the audience.
Source: Institute of Marine Biology Kotor, statements from fisherman Gojko Mitrović, expert Ilija Ćetković
