Within the Herceg Novi aquatorium, the Bay of Kotor, and the open sea of Montenegro, we’ve seen the arrival of unique species gradually occupying the Adriatic region. Whales, great white sharks, lionfish with venomous spines, and numerous other species have ventured into our waters in search of food. This heightened biological activity is attributed to various impacts on the marine ecosystem, driven by climate change and significant human activities, as stated by Mirko Đurović, the director of the Institute of Marine Biology of the University of Montenegro, in an interview with RTHN.

Last week, a whale was sighted in the waters of Herceg Novi, followed by sightings near Kotor, the open sea close to Bar, and eventually near Kornati. There’s also growing conversation about a great white shark that seems to have settled in our waters, supported by footage from fishermen who capture and release this rare creature back into the sea. Additionally, a Mediterranean monk seal was recently seen in Montenegro’s open waters. Dolphins are now a common presence here, and notably, a sea turtle nest was discovered at Ada Bojana, marking the first instance of this protected species nesting on the eastern Adriatic’s coast, according to Đurović.

“We have recorded several fascinating marine inhabitant appearances recently. The entry of a giant whale (Balaenoptera Physalus), the second-largest animal on Earth, into the Bay of Kotor was particularly unusual. This species typically inhabits the open ocean and deep waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s quite rare for a whale to enter the bay; the first documented occurrence was back in 2012,” Đurović explained.

He emphasized that the bay is currently experiencing heavy maritime traffic, particularly during this season.

“When we learned about the whale in the bay, we urged all relevant services overseeing sea control, especially the Port of Kotor, cruise operators, and vessels in the bay, to remain vigilant to prevent any accidental collisions with such a large creature, which measures over eight meters. Numerous drone videos submitted by citizens to our Institute have been circulated on social media,” Đurović noted.

People frequently inquire whether the whale poses any threat to swimmers. Đurović reassures that there is no need for concern regarding potential attacks or close encounters with these animals.

“Whales are not dangerous at all. We’ve issued guidelines to all boats operating in the bay regarding how to behave if they see one nearby—maintaining a safe distance of at least 200 meters, moving slowly, and observing this extraordinary marine species from afar. It’s possible that this species will revisit the bay shortly, as these whales are found in the Adriatic Sea, albeit in smaller numbers. Like all marine species, they roam the extensive sea in search of food,” Đurović elaborated.

“This species primarily feeds on plankton, filtering seawater through specialized organs. Currently, plankton concentrations in the Bay of Kotor are high. These creatures often travel in small groups, indicating the potential presence of others nearby. The whale was also later spotted in Dobre Vode, near Cavtat, and then on the Kornati Islands, highlighting their ability to cover vast distances in a single day. They utilize the Adriatic Sea mainly for feeding,” stated Đurović.

Younger great white sharks have also been spotted in the Adriatic.

“The rising sea temperatures, driven by climate change, are the primary reason for the presence of sharks in our waters. The ongoing climate change is altering the behavior of some thermophilic species, which favor warmer conditions. They now perceive the Adriatic Sea as a suitable habitat. Recently, a white shark was caught about 12 km from the Montenegrin coast, typically inhabiting deeper waters, much like whales. These species are apex predators that prey on fish. However, this has raised concerns among citizens and tourists. When visiting coastal areas, it’s essential to follow safety protocols, such as swimming in designated areas to protect against speedboats and vessels. Regarding sharks, I believe there is no cause for fear while enjoying our beaches. The ocean is not our natural habitat but home to various species,” reassured Đurović.

In recent years, with increasing sea temperatures, the lionfish, notorious for its venomous spines and known as a culinary delicacy, has also established itself in our waters.

“This invasive species, originally from the Red Sea, has now settled in the Mediterranean. It thrives in warmer waters, and numerous specimens have been spotted along the eastern Adriatic coast, particularly in Montenegro, Croatia, and Albania. We can now confidently state that this fish has successfully formed populations in the Adriatic Sea. A significant concern is that most invasive species in the Adriatic lack natural predators, raising questions about future population dynamics,” explained Đurović.

He is careful to warn that this fish possesses highly poisonous spines.

“We’ve been advising fishermen, especially those engaged in sport fishing and spearfishing, to exercise caution if they encounter lionfish and to avoid any contact with them. Unlike other invasive species, this one can be a delicacy in culinary preparation. Careful handling and skillful preparation are essential to safely enjoying it. It has become a permanent part of the Adriatic ecosystem over the past few years,” Đurović emphasized.

Should someone come into contact with a lionfish, which can deliver a dangerous sting, it’s crucial to seek medical assistance.

“First and foremost, avoid any interaction with the fish, as a sting can be perilous, potentially even fatal. We urge anyone who encounters this species to stay clear and vacate the area. If stung, it’s vital to consult medical professionals,” said Đurović.

Dolphins are established residents of the Bay of Kotor, with ongoing research conducted on them and other species at the Institute of Marine Biology of the University of Montenegro for many years.

“We’ve observed that dolphins navigate through the dense maritime traffic, particularly during summer months. Tourists and locals frequently get the chance to see them and enjoy their company,” he remarked.

Sea turtles are also found in the Bay of Kotor and the open sea.

“The first sea turtle nest was detected on Ada Bojana, where the turtle laid eggs. The hatchlings emerged on Velika Plaza in Ulcinj. The areas of Ada Bojana and Velika Plaza are becoming increasingly significant for sea turtles. If we continue to locate nests in the upcoming years, we could designate that region as a critical area for sea turtle nesting—the first of its kind on the eastern Adriatic coast,” Đurović noted.

Scientists from the Institute of Marine Biology of the University of Montenegro maintain collaboration with experts across various fields concerning dolphins, turtles, whales, and other species.

“Our partnerships, particularly with colleagues from Adriatic nations—Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, and Albania—are highly productive. We share data because the Adriatic is a shared body of water, vital for understanding each species’ biology. Data is exchanged promptly and accurately among institutions, facilitating joint studies or scientific collaborations that enhance our understanding of species biology, behavior in the Adriatic, seasonal movements, and reproductive timing. We address all protected species as per international conventions, focusing on those endangered by declining populations, not only in the Adriatic but globally. The decline in protected species and other endangered forms is often due to overfishing and significant anthropogenic impacts on the marine environment, especially coastal tourism and intense maritime traffic. Together, we strive to inform state authorities and international organizations engaged in conservation based on our findings and recommendations to formulate policies aimed at mitigating these detrimental effects. All Adriatic nations are working collectively through various projects to ensure the survival of these species,” Đurović concluded.

The laboratories of the Institute of Marine Biology of the University of Montenegro span from Ulcinj to Herceg Novi, covering the Bay of Kotor to the open sea. The Institute’s headquarters is located in Kotor, home to the Boka Aquarium.

For five years, the aquarium has showcased Adriatic species. It’s open to visitors every weekday from 9:00 to 21:00. Visitors can view a slice of the Adriatic Sea’s living world, aimed at children and all who appreciate nature and the ocean.

“One of the aquarium’s goals is to allow children to learn biology while encountering the organisms they’re studying in school. They can observe their behavior in real-time and learn from our aquarists about feeding, reproduction, and interesting facts pertaining to each species,” explained Đurović.

The Institute of Marine Biology, in partnership with the Natural History Museum of Montenegro, is hosting an exhibition featuring living organisms and preserved shark species. The exhibition, “Sharks of the Adriatic Sea,” will open on July 10th at the Boka Aquarium located within the Institute in Kotor.

The Institute of Marine Biology encourages anyone interested to visit their Facebook page, reach out with inquiries, or send videos or photos of marine species or occurrences at sea. They promise to respond with expert insights and educational messages.

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