A rare basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) was observed this week in the waters near the Croatian island of Cres, researchers from the Blue World Institute said, marking one of the few sightings of the species in the Adriatic Sea.
The identification was based on video footage sent to the institute, which noted the distinctive shape of the shark’s dorsal fin. Basking sharks are the second largest species of shark in the world after the whale shark and can reach lengths of more than 10 meters.
Although rare, the species is consistently present along the eastern Adriatic coast, with most sightings reported in the northern Adriatic, including the Kvarner Gulf, a region known for high zooplankton density, according to the institute.
Basking sharks are migratory and feed on plankton by filtering large volumes of seawater. They are harmless to humans.
“Public participation in reporting sightings provides valuable data that supports scientific research and marine conservation. Every photograph, report, and app submission contributes to a better understanding and protection of our marine ecosystem,” the institute said.