White shark in the Adriatic: Experts warn of unexpected return!

White shark in the Adriatic: Experts warn of unexpected return!

Adria, Kroatien - The returning white sharks in the Adriatic cause excitement and concern among residents and tourists. Gojko Mitrović, an experienced fisherman from Croatia, recently discovered a young white shark at a depth of about 115 meters. This sighting has been confirmed by experts from the Institute of Sea Biology and is already the third documented viewing of a white shark in the region in the past 30 years.

The white shark, which is historically based in the Mediterranean, is considered to be very endangered. It is alarming that the populations have decreased considerably over the decades. Nevertheless, sightings that took place in 2023 off the coast of Croatia indicate that a possible return to the Adriatic could take place. The danger to humans by white sharks is assessed by experts as minimally. In fact, in 2024 there were only four fatal shark attacks worldwide, none of them in Europe. The last fatal incident in Croatia was even 50 years ago.

research and protection of the white sharks

researchers from the field of marine biology, such as the biologist Ferretti, emphasize uncertainty about the exact number of white sharks in the Mediterranean. He realizes that the number of sharks is lower than previously assumed and emphasizes that the likelihood of meeting a white shark is very low. There is therefore no need to worry for bathers, because people represent a greater threat to the sharks than vice versa. In order to ensure the survival of the white sharks in the Mediterranean, further research and the protection of these animals are of extreme urgency.

planned developments in research, such as equipping individual sharks with transmitters, are intended to help collect valuable data about the behavior and places of residence of the animals. However, this requires extensive support, since this research is both time and costly.

important protective measures

The protection of the white sharks is not only of local, but of global interest. Haie play a crucial role in marine ecosystems and are indicators of the health of the oceans. Important protective measures include the establishment of marine protection areas (MPAs), in which human activities such as fishing are restricted or forbidden. These protected areas offer the sharks safe retreat for reproduction and nutrition.

• mpas help to stabilize the haipopulations.
• international agreements such as Cites regulate the trade and fishing of sharks.
• public education about the importance of the shark protection is essential.

Initiatives and organizations that actively work for the protection of sharks also make an important contribution. They promote scientific research, political measures and awareness among the population. Through the support of sustainable fishing practices and by education, for example in schools, individuals can make a valuable contribution to the protection of these majestic animals.

Gojko Mitrović released the captured young white shark again in consultation with the responsible authorities, which underlines the efforts to protect this endangered species. The white shark is under strict protection, and it is of important importance to ensure that future generations can also experience the fascination and importance of these animals.